Clerical staff to go on strike from tomorrow

Sirsa, August 10

Clerical staff will once again go on strike from August 12 to 14, following the government’s failure to fulfil their long-standing demands for a raised salary. Last year, these employees were on strike for 42 days, and despite assurances from the government, they claimed there had been no progress.

Satish Dhaka, state general secretary, Clerical Association Welfare Society, highlighted the ‘frustration’ of the staff, who had been waiting for a fair pay scale. On July 28, the state executive had planned to stage a protest at the Chief Minister’s residence in Panchkula. However, the plan was postponed after the Chief Principal Secretary to the CM, Rajesh Khullar, assured them that the government would address their demands by August 5.

Despite this promise, the clerical staff received no resolution. Now, they are determined to continue their protest until a notification for a proper salary scale is issued by the Finance Department.

District president of the association Sahil Bagri announced that clerical staff from all departments, boards, municipal bodies and universities were ready to participate in the strike. The district team invited clerical staff from all offices, including the PWD, irrigation, health, HSVP, ITI, education and municipal corporation, to join the strike. Employees have already submitted their notices to go on strike.

District Secretary Vinod Godara criticised the government for increasing the salaries of other employee categories, while neglecting the clerical staff, who were the ‘backbone’ of all departments. He emphasised the government would be held responsible for any disruptions caused by the strike.— OC