Ferozepur Sanitation Workers back Punjab Bandh on July 30, Warn of intensified agitation
Ferozepur, July 27, 2026: Sanitation workers in Ferozepur have extended support to the Punjab-wide bandh scheduled for July 30, postponing their proposed strike on July 27 as part of the statewide agitation against the alleged police action on sanitation workers in Barnala and the Punjab government's failure to address their long-pending demands.
Addressing mediapersons here on Monday, Danny, President, and Ram Chander, Secretary of the Safai Sewak Union, Ferozepur, said the decision was announced by Gulshan Kumar, District President of the Barnala Safai Sewak Union, following consultations with union leaders across the state.
They alleged that the recent lathi charge on protesting sanitation workers in Barnala had intensified resentment among employees and drawn criticism from various political parties.
The union reiterated its demand for the regularisation of all outsourced employees, including Safai Sewaks, Sewermen, Helpers, Pump Operators, Computer Operators, Clerks and Drivers, by restoring the earlier policy of regularisation after three years of service. It also sought the withdrawal of outsourcing notifications issued in June and July 2021, abolition of the contractor system, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, filling of vacant posts, an end to the privatisation of sanitation services, direct payment of salaries through the Municipal Local Bodies Department, enhancement of uniform and washing allowances, increased ex-gratia compensation for employees dying on duty, and paid leave for the families of workers who lose their lives while performing hazardous sanitation work.
Danny said that if the Punjab government failed to accept the workers' demands before July 30, sanitation workers would observe a complete statewide bandh and intensify their agitation.