Mixed response to strike across districts as trade unions protest govt policies

In Sirsa district, a strike called by various trade unions, including roadways and government department employees, got a mixed response on Wednesday. The protest was held against the government’s outsourcing policy and alleged plans to hand over power services to private players.

The strike was supported by the employees of several departments, including Haryana Roadways, electricity board, BDPO offices, tourism, sanitation, ITI, mid-day meal workers, and Education Department staff. In Sirsa, 235 buses from the district depot and 135 buses from rural areas such as Ellenabad, Dabwali, Kalanwali, and Nathusari Chopta were affected. However, not all services were completely shut, a few buses continued operating, indicating a partial impact.

On Tuesday night, the police arranged several kilometre-scheme buses at the Sirsa bus stand in anticipation of the strike. By Wednesday morning, many of these remained parked as drivers and conductors did not report on duty. Commuters travelling towards Delhi, Rajasthan, and Punjab routes faced difficulties due to reduced services.

The protesters demanded an end to outsourcing, better working conditions, permanent recruitment, and restoration of the old pension scheme. Employees alleged that the government failed to fulfil earlier promises such as raising the minimum wage to Rs 26,000 and ensuring job security. Prithvi Singh, a protest leader, warned of a nationwide protest if the demands were not met.

Surjeet Singh, chief adviser of the All Haryana Power Corporation Association, criticised the government for allegedly planning to privatise the electricity sector. He said this would worsen the condition of both workers and consumers and was against the interests of industrial development. He added that the government had failed to reverse anti-worker policies or implement promised benefits.

In Nathusari Chopta, the employees staged a protest under the joint front. Protest leader Hardeep Saharan said employees were being forced into agitation as their demands were continuously ignored. Local farmers also extended their support to the protest.

Haryana Tribune