Electricity workers across Punjab go on three-day strike over pending demands; Powercom imposes ESMA
PTC Web Desk: Electricity workers across Punjab, under the joint platform of various unions, have called for a strike from August 11 to 13, posing significant operational challenges for the power department in managing the state’s electricity network over the next three days.
Union leaders said a meeting chaired by the state’s Power Minister on June 2 had led to an agreement on several key issues, but no concrete action has been taken since. They added that prolonged inaction has left them with no choice but to protest to press for their demands.
The unions accused the management of seeking additional time to address their concerns, yet failing to act even after three weeks. Since June 25, workers have been adhering strictly to a "work-to-rule" policy, performing only their assigned duties.
Key demands include higher compensation, complete medical coverage for employees injured on duty, regularisation of services of contract workers, restoration of the old pension scheme, salary parity, separate restrooms for female staff, and repairs to dilapidated office buildings.
Several major unions are participating in the agitation, including the PSEB Employees' Joint Forum, Bijli Karamchari Ekta Manch, Grid Sub-Station Employees' Union, Powercom and Transco Pensioners Union (ETUC), and the pensioners' federation (Punjab).
Meanwhile, Powercom has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) 1947 to ensure uninterrupted power supply. The move comes amid ongoing unrest among electricity board employees, who are pressing for long-pending demands. Under the provisions of ESMA, employees participating in the strike could face suspension or dismissal from service.
Powercom stated that the decision to impose ESMA was taken to prevent disruption in essential electricity services across the state during the protest period.
- PTC NEWS
