On Wednesday, outsourced employees of Powercom and Transco staged a statewide protest in Punjab, burning effigies of the finance minister to express their frustration over the government's failure to meet long-standing demands. Key issues include the regularization of outsourced workers, implementation of a minimum living wage, and guaranteed compensation for accidents. Union leaders, such as Avtar Singh (circle president, Ludhiana), highlighted the dangers faced by workers who operate under high-risk conditions without sufficient safety measures, leading to fatalities and disabilities. The protests intensified after the state government postponed a meeting originally scheduled for April 30, which was expected to address these demands after a previous 16-day strike. The union has announced plans to continue the strike and will gherao the finance minister's residence on May 1, Labour Day, as part of their ongoing agitation.