Demands not met, labourers, arhtiyas on strike

As no agreement could be reached with the government over increase in commission and other charges, the Galla Mazdoor Union and arhtiyas went on strike in Hoshiarpur today. Due to prior information about the strike, the farmers did not bring their crop to the mandi.

On a call of the Galla Mazdoor Union and various organisations of labourers, the district unit went on an indefinite strike in the main grain market of the district.

The labourers were demanding 25 per cent increase in the labour charges, which is Rs 13.81, and loading charges of Rs 5 per sack, which is Rs 1.94. The Arhtiyas have demanded that the commission of 2.5 per cent should be given to them for government procurement too as is given for private purchase. They said the commission on private purchase amounts to around Rs 58 per quintal whereas the government was paying them only Rs 46 only which was injustice with them

President of the Galla Mazdoor Union Chaudhary Hari Ram and general secretary Raj Kumar said the government had assured them that their wages would be increased by 25 per cent. But the government only increased the price by 40 paise per sack.

They had earlier got assurance from the government that their demands would be accepted. They said they are going on indefinite strike on the call of the state leaders.