Trash raises stink as workers protest

Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 15

Garbage piles are now raising a stink in various parts of the state, including the Chief Minister’s home district of Patiala, as members of the Cleanliness Workers Union, Punjab, continue their protest to press for regular jobs.

Apart from dumping garbage in the open, the protesters today burnt the effigies of the Chief Minister and the Local Bodies Minister in their areas.

The protesters have been on strike throughout the state since May 13.

There are more than 30,000 workers associated with the union. The union’s president, Ashok Sarwan, from Faridkot, said: “The state government has not given us regular jobs for many years. We want them to put an end to the ‘thekedari’ system and give regular jobs to our workers. Also, promotions of previously hired employees have not been carried out for years. They are yet to release our dearness allowance arrears.”

Meanwhile, the protesters blocked the lower mall road and burnt an effigy of the Local Bodies Minister. At Khanauri, they burnt the effigies of the Chief Minister and the Local Bodies Minister. In the Rajpura and Nabha municipal council areas as well, protesters took out a protest march and raised slogans against the state government.

Patiala unit president Sunil said: “Our contractual workers are paid a mere Rs7,653 per month. Many have been working for the past 10-15 years. We will continue the protest until the government accepts our demands.”