In an important turn of events, Public Health Engineering (PHE) daily wage workers have started a 72-hour strike to demand regular wages and the release of their long-pending salaries. The protest is happening at many PHE offices and facilities across the region and has caught public attention because it could affect the supply of drinking water. This situation raises a key question: How can we ensure that workers' demands are met while also protecting the community’s need for uninterrupted water supply?
Why Are PHE Workers Protesting?
The PHE
Department is responsible for providing clean drinking water to
thousands of homes and public places. However, many of its daily wage
workers face serious financial difficulties. They work long hours but do
not receive a stable monthly salary. Their wages have been delayed for
months, and their job status remains uncertain.
After
multiple discussions with authorities failed to bring any solution, the
workers have now decided to go on strike as a last resort.
Impact of the Strike on Water Supply
This
strike affects not just the workers but also the general public. Many
areas depend entirely on the PHE Department for water supply. If the
strike continues, it could lead to:
- Water shortages, especially in cities and
densely populated areas.
- Increased costs for families who may have
to buy water from private suppliers.
- Public health risks, as lack of clean water can
cause hygiene problems and diseases.
Experts
say that when daily wage workers are not paid on time, their motivation
and productivity suffer. In the long run, this can cause serious service
disruptions and affect low-income communities the most.
Two Sides of the Argument
Some
people oppose the strike because stopping water supply services
affects public health. They argue that using a strike as pressure
puts ordinary citizens at risk.
However, supporters
of the workers believe that they had no other choice. They argue
that the workers have waited too long and tried other peaceful methods before taking
this extreme step. They also point out that timely payment of wages and
job security are basic rights of all workers.
The Need for a Quick Solution
This 72-hour
strike highlights two important issues:
- Water is a basic necessity for everyone.
- Workers deserve fair wages
and job security.
If the
government and authorities do not act quickly, both the workers and the
public will suffer.
To avoid
such problems in the future, policy makers, local leaders, and
administrators must work together to:
- Ensure timely payment of wages.
- Offer job security to daily wage workers.
- Create a long-term solution to prevent repeated
strikes.
A
balanced approach is necessary—one that respects workers’ rights while ensuring
uninterrupted water supply. In the end, taking care of workers also
means taking care of the community because water supply services depend
on them.
The government and PHE authorities must urgently address the workers’ demands to prevent further disruptions. Fair treatment of workers is not just about justice—it is also about ensuring the smooth functioning of essential services like water supply. If authorities act wisely and quickly, they can resolve the issue in a way that benefits both workers and the public.
