Sanitation and sewerage workers of the Bathinda Municipal Corporation began an indefinite strike on Saturday, demanding permanent employment and the inclusion of outsourced staff under the corporation’s direct control.
Union leaders said the decision to strike was taken after repeated assurances from municipal officials failed to translate into concrete action. Protesters insisted that the upcoming House meeting of the corporation should pass a formal resolution to advance the process of regularization.
Ashok Kumar Bittu, observer of the Bathinda Sanitation Workers’ Union, stated that nearly 597 employees are affected by the issue. He added that promises made earlier by officials had proven “empty,” leaving workers with no relief. Many of the employees, he said, have already fulfilled the required conditions, including three years of continuous service.
Ravi Kumar, president of the Sewerage Workers’ Union, recalled that a five-member committee was formed after a July 27 decision to review the matter. However, despite the passage of time, no meaningful steps have been taken. “Our struggle will continue until our demands are met,” Kumar warned.
The strike is expected to severely impact the city’s sanitation system. Officials noted that similar protests in the past had left Bathinda’s cleanliness services in disarray, raising concerns about public health and hygiene.