Sahnewal safai sewaks join Doraha workers in strike

Lovleen Bains

Sahnewal, May 24

Safai workers of Sahnewal, too, have joined Doraha workers in the protest against non-fulfilment of their demands. The workers have been on strike for the past 11 days, leading to accumulation of garbage on roads and residential areas.

Sukhdev Singh, general secretary of Ludhiana Safai Sewak Union and president of Sahnewal Safai Sewak Union, said: “We understand that it is unethical on our part to sit on a strike during the pandemic but we are also helpless. We do not want the residents to suffer but we also want the government to listen to our demands on a priority basis. We have been working on a contractual basis for many years now with minimum salaries. Most workers are living hand to mouth and are only asking the government to make their jobs regular.”

“We are resolute this time and we will not end the strike till our services are regularised. Prices of all essential commodities are rising. We have to run our homes as well, educate our children, pay for medicines among other expenses. How can you expect a person working on contract basis on a minimum pay to meet expenses?” protestors said.

“We are aware of the risk we expose ourselves to while doing our job. If we get infected, who will look after our families? The government has taken our silence for granted. We will intensify our stir if the government remains unmoved,” the protestors added.

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