Congress leader Pritam Singh meets protesters
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The protest by Uttarakhand Purva Sainik Kalyan Nigam Limited (UPNL) workers continued on the fifth day at Parade Ground here on Friday. About 22,000 UPNL workers across Uttarakhand have been striking in support of their demands. Senior Congress leader Pritam Singh also reached the protest side on Friday.
The work in various departments has been affected by the strike of the UPNL workers. Staff members in these departments said that the workload has increased because many workers are not reporting for duty. The effect of the strike was clearly visible in places like the Government Doon Medical College Hospital. Long queues were seen at the counters and the sanitation work was also affected due to the strike. Patients and their attendants complained that services were delayed because of the shortage of workers.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Pritam Singh reached the protest site where he met with the workers and expressed his support. He said that the Congress party stands with the UPNL workers. He further stated that if Congress forms the government in Uttarakhand, it will ensure that the workers get their full rights in all departments. He also promised that permanent jobs will be given after their government comes to power.
UPNL workers federation State president Vinod Godiyal said that the protest entered its fifth day on Friday. He said that the workers are demanding equal rights and equal pay. He added that the UPNL workers have been in regular touch with the government. Godiyal expressed hope that the government will accept their demands soon. He also said that the workers will continue the protest peacefully till a final decision is made.
The workers said that they are determined to get their demands fulfilled by the government. They stated that they will not give the government any chance to delay or ignore the issue. They also said they are ready to continue the fight till their demands are met. Workers from different districts are reaching Dehradun every day to join the protest.
