Permanent and contractual workers of Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) and Punjab Roadways Buses (PUNBUS) have launched a two-day strike on 27 June, 2023. The strike has led to more than 3,000 buses being off the roads, inconveniencing thousands of passengers.
The protestors are seeking regularization of their jobs and are demanding that their salaries be at par with the regular staff. They also want a stop to new hiring in addition to restoration of some workers who were suspended for small issues.
In Germany, workers from Amazon’s warehouses went on a 48-hour strike demanding better wages. The protesting workers are seeking a labour agreement stating that the hourly wages will be increased by $2.73 or 2.5 euros. They are also demanding a hike for apprentices and wish for the labour agreement to be binding for Amazon. The workers currently are reported to be earning a minimum of 13 euros per hour.
The company, however, maintains that it offers competitive salaries, processes and one of the most advanced working environments to its workers.
In the US, staff from 150 Starbucks outlets went on strike protesting the ban imposed by the company on decorations pertaining to Pride Month at some of its outlets. Over 3,000 employees participated in the strike, annoyed for being told not to put up or remove flags and decorations related to Pride Month . The strike is expected to last a week. The protestors are also seeking far labour contracts so that workers earn better pay and benefits. The coming weekend is a big one as part of the Pride Month celebrations in the US, which will be marked by pride parades across major cities of the country.
Starbucks, however, maintains that store managers have not been discouraged from celebrating Pride Month, provided they adhere to safety guidelines.
Meanwhile, in North America, Starbucks is working on issuing clear guidelines for decoration of outlets.
In Britain, about 86 per cent of the members of the British Medical Association have expressed their support for the call for strike. A 48-hour walkout on 20 and 21 July was already announced earlier. This will now be preceded by a five-day strike by junior doctors.
Senior doctors are willing to participate in this first ever strike in about five decades, over pay. The objective is to restore the salaries that have been cut repeatedly since 2008.
