Patiala, 4 November (Manpreet Singh):- As the next phase of the ongoing struggle to secure the reinstatement of all workers allegedly illegally dismissed by Surindera Gas Agency, along with their pending dues and other benefits, gas workers will take out a protest march towards the residence of Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on November 6, accompanied by their families.
Baljinder Singh Kheri, president of the Gas Agency Workers Union (IFTU), said that gas workers would march towards the residence of Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on November 6 along with their family members. He said that on October 30, the administration had brought the agency owner and the workers together and facilitated an agreement under which the gas agency owner was to bring the agency records to the office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner on November 2 and hold discussions with the workers. However, no representative of the gas agency management arrived at the Labour Commissioner’s office on November 2, causing widespread resentment among the workers.
Surjit Singh Suniyar Heri, general secretary of the union, said that an indefinite sit-in would be staged outside the gas agency office. The protest would continue until the dismissed workers were reinstated and paid their due wages.
Vice-president Satpal Singh said that on November 5, a delegation of the Kirti Kisan Union and its affiliated organisations would meet the ADC and SSP, Patiala, regarding the issue.
Among those present on the occasion were union finance secretary Avtar Singh, IFTU leader Srinath, Jaswinder Singh Jassi, Jarnail Singh, Dheeraj Kumar, Manjit Singh, Sham Dhar Mishra, Raghbir Singh Nabha, Jasbir Singh and others.
