Today (February 12) a nationwide strike has been called upon by a joint forum of central trade unions, this call Bharat Band has been backed by several farmer groups as well. The strike has been organized to protest against the new labor codes and other policy issues. The union has warned of a widespread participation in this call across multiple states and sectors.
Similarly, the strike saw mixed response in various districts of Punjab. As per the reports the contract employees are on a strike whereas the permanent employees are providing services. Reportedly, buses are also operating in some areas while remaining closed in others, majority of the markets are open and banks are operational as well with a few exceptions. Though the strike has impacted the departmental operations, however it was not able to impose a complete shutdown.
The trade unions from various cities of Punjab are protesting. The employees’ organization of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) had announced a full-day strike, however the PSPCL warned of dismissal to any employee who would participate in the strike.
Politically speaking, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress party in Punjab have extended their support to the strike.
Employees of the Punjab National Bank located at Company Bagh Chowk staged a sit-in against the central government’s demands showing their compliance to the nationwide strike today. Giving details, Harvinder Singh said that today’s strike is not just a bank strike but rather a call by workers working in all departments across the country.
Harvinder Singh adds that the protests are being held against the central government’s decisions to abolish 29 labor laws and create four labor courts. He adds that job security is not guaranteed and they are being relegated to contract work. Citing the Agni Veer Yojana he says that once their contract expires, they become unemployed.
Punjab Bank Employee Federation in Ludhiana also staged a strike in support of the trade union. The protesting employees asserted that they stand with the workers. Adding to this, the Mid-day meal workers also reached outside the Ludhiana DC office and staged a protest supporting the nationwide call. As per reports, the PUNBUS Contract Union in Ludhiana has also extended their support to the call and majority of the government busses are said to be out of service.
Reports coming from Sangrur suggest that the busses are parked at the Sangrur bus stand amid the call for the nationwide strike. This has caused significant inconvenience to the commuters.
