Patiala, May 7
Members of Apprenticeship Union 2600 on Wednesday resumed their protest outside the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited headquarters in Patiala, alleging that promises made by the administration after an earlier agitation were not fulfilled.
Protesters said they had previously staged an 18 day demonstration at the same location, following which several decisions were taken in their favour during meetings with officials. According to the union, they were assured that they would be allowed to rejoin duty, their absence period would be adjusted, and salaries for the protest period would also be released.
However, the protesters claimed that when they returned to duty, the department did not allow them to rejoin. They further alleged that the administration had promised to announce examination dates within seven days, but during a meeting held on Monday, officials backed away from the assurance.
Union members said the protest would continue until their demands are accepted and the department officially issues the decisions on its website. Surinder Singh, Punjab president of Apprenticeship Union 2600, also addressed the protesters during the demonstration.
