Sanitation workers in Faridkot district launched an indefinite “tool-down" strike to press the state government for their long-pending demands. Members of the Municipal Employees Action Committee and the Safai Sevak Union gathered outside the Municipal Council office in Faridkot today, bringing cleaning services to a complete halt.
Led by Union President Sant Ram, the protesters raised slogans against the Punjab government, accusing it of failing to deliver on its electoral promises. The strike has received significant backing from various fraternal organizations within the city, signalling a unified front against the current administration.
"Going on strike is not our choice; it is our compulsion," a union spokesperson stated during the rally. “With 90 per cent of our workforce being contractual and earning a meagre Rs 10,000 per month, it is impossible to survive in today’s economy."
The union leaders took a sharp aim at the Bhagwant Mann-led government. They reminded the public that the current administration rose to power using the “broom" (Jharu) symbol—the very tool of the sanitation worker.
Protesters highlighted that before the elections, the Chief Minister promised a state where no one would need to protest on the streets.
Leaders alleged that instead of relief, the state is witnessing widespread unrest where protesters, including women, are being mistreated and their dignity disregarded by the authorities.
The union has made it clear that the strike will continue indefinitely until their demands were met which include immediate permanent status for all contractual sanitation workers and minimum monthly wage of Rs 40,000.
Salaries to be paid on time directly from the government treasury. They demanded for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.
Guaranteed government jobs for the families of contractual workers who pass away during their service.
With the sanitation staff staying away from work, urban waste management in Faridkot is expected to be severely hit. The union leaders have reiterated that they will not budge until a formal notification addressing their grievances is issued.
