Outsourced Powercom contract workers stage protest over privatisation

Opposing Powercom’s privatisation policy and demanding direct absorption of all outsourced contract workers into the department, employees staged a division-level protest on Saturday under the banner of the Powercom & Transco Theka Mulazam Union, Punjab. The protesters also sought government jobs, pension benefits and compensation for families of workers who lost their lives due to electric shocks on duty.

Phagwara division president Arshdeep Suman and other leaders condemned the alleged move by the government to privatise the electricity corporation and sell Powercom assets.

The speakers further demanded that the Centre withdrew the proposed 2025 Electricity Amendment Bill, remove private contractor companies and provide minimum wages in accordance with the 1948 Act or the 15th Labour Conference recommendations. They also urged the government to restore previously abolished posts in the Power Department.

Union representatives claimed that the government has not provided adequate compensation, medical support or assured jobs for the families of the deceased.