Chandigarh: The Punjab Government announced a breakthrough in ongoing labour unrest on Tuesday, confirming that employees of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and the Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL) have officially called off their strike. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the decision followed productive negotiations held on July 25 and 26, successfully addressing the primary concerns of all 16 unions representing state power utility workers.
To manage the remaining fiscal demands, the government has established a specialized Finance Committee. This body has been tasked with reviewing the union’s economic grievances and is required to submit a comprehensive report by August 15, which will serve as the basis for final governmental action. With the strike withdrawn, authorities have confirmed that electricity services across the state will continue without interruption.
The resolution extends beyond the power sector, as the state government has also successfully averted potential disruptions in essential public services. Following constructive dialogue, staff and doctors at Aam Aadmi Clinics have agreed to cancel their planned industrial action, prioritizing the continuity of healthcare delivery. Similarly, sanitation workers and sewermen have begun to withdraw from their protests, with the government expressing confidence that discussions with remaining employee groups will yield a total resolution in the coming days.
In a significant policy shift aimed at long-term labour stability, Minister Cheema revealed that the state government has submitted an ordinance to the Governor. This legislative measure seeks to regularize eligible outsourced personnel by transitioning them into the state’s contractual employment framework. If ratified, this initiative is expected to provide enhanced job security and standardized service conditions for thousands of workers currently employed on an outsourced basis across various government departments.
