Contractual staff to go on strike

In a significant development that may disrupt civic services in Jalandhar, 79 Grade-4 contractual workers, including fitters, labourers, masons, and JCB operators, gave a strike call and issued notice to the Municipal Commissioner Gautam Jain today. The employees, who have been serving the Municipal Corporation for the past 12 years, allege that despite their contribution to essential services, their job has not been regularised. "We will go on strike from June 18," they said.

The delegation submitted a memorandum demanding immediate steps be taken to make their jobs permanent. They accused the municipal administration of repeatedly ignoring their appeals and said numerous requests from various unions to fill vacant Grade-4 positions have fallen on deaf ears.

According to union leaders, this neglect has led to growing frustration among the workforce. The workers argue that regularising their posts is essential for the smooth operation of critical municipal functions such as water supply and sanitation.