Strike by unions affects work at banks, creates traffic jams

Our Correspondent
Hoshiarpur, January 8

Following a call given by the central trade unions and staff federations, workers belonging to different departments remained on strike today. The Punbus workers also slammed the state government and observed a complete strike in Hoshiarpur. The protesters took out a march in different areas of the city, including the local bus stand, to make the people aware of the ‘detrimental’ effect of the government policies.

Addressing the gathering, Ajit Singh, Narinder Singh, Baljeet Singh, Kulvir Singh, district president Kamaljit Singh and secretary Mahinder Singh alleged that the government was promoting the contractual system and making the roadways employees suffer economically.

The union leaders said the court has ordered that equal work and equal pay should be given but it is not considered by the government. While the regular employees are enjoying higher salaries and also pension after retirement, the employees under the contractual system are being paid only Rs 8,000-Rs 10,000 per month which has made it difficult for them to look after their families.

He said the employees belonging to the Transport Department have to work at night and in high-risk situations but no attention is paid by the government to resolving their problems. They demanded from the government that the contractual system be ended immediately and the court’s decision on equal work and equal pay be implemented immediately. They said that the strike will continue on January 9 and if the government does not still accept their demands, the struggle will be intensified.

Due to the transport shutdown, the common people had to face much trouble. The children and the elderly were among the most inconvenienced as many of them had to walk long distance to reach their destinations. School buses were stuck for long in traffic jams. This led to difficulties for the young children. Those who needed to commute for their jobs or work, were also affected because of it.

In government sector banks, the clerical staff and cashiers remained on strike following a call given by the AIBEA and the AIBEF. In branches of the banks, no transactions could take place due to the staff strike.