Punjab Government Employees Strike: Offices to Remain Shut on September 8
Chandigarh September 07: Tensions between the Punjab government and its employees have intensified, with clerical and ministerial staff across the state set to observe a mass leave on September 8. The action has been announced by the Shared Employees Platform over pending demands and the government’s failure to withdraw a disputed Disciplinary action letter. Shared Employees Platform state president Sukhchain Singh Khehra said the government had been given time until September 7 to withdraw the letter. With no positive action reported by the deadline, employees decided to proceed with the strike.
Anger Over DA Arrears
Khehra also raised concerns over pending instalments and arrears of dearness allowance. He alleged that ministers had made statements on the issue, but employees had yet to see concrete action.
Hunger Strike in Chandigarh and Mohali
As part of the protest, employees will hold demonstrations outside the Punjab Civil Secretariat, FCR offices and various directorates in Chandigarh. A one-day hunger strike will also be held outside district offices in Mohali. Employees will also protest the attack on employee Mohanjeet Singh in Sheron village of Sangrur. Protesters have decided to wear black clothes or black badges as a mark of protest.
A monitoring team of retired employees has also been formed to visit government offices and oversee the implementation of the strike.
Honorarium Workers to Hold Rally in Mohali
The protest will also involve workers employed on honorariums. Employee leader Jarmanjeet Singh said a joint-front rally will be held in Mohali, with participation from ASHA workers, mid-day meal workers, facilitators and sanitation workers.
The Democratic Employees Federation has extended support to the protest and demanded that low-paid workers be brought under the Minimum Wages Act.