Punjab’s outsourced firefighters will go on strike tomorrow, will stage a sit-in protest in Dhuri

May 20, 2026

Punjab’s outsourced firefighters are going on an indefinite strike starting May 21st. The Fire Brigade Outsourced Employees Union has announced that employees across the state will stop work and stage a sit-in protest outside Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s office in Dhuri.

Government accused of breaking promises

Union leaders say that in March 2026, the Finance Minister had promised to hire outsourced employees directly on government contracts, but no action has been taken so far. Employees allege that they are facing mental distress and insecurity due to the government’s negligence.

Employees’ Main Demands

Firefighters are demanding that the outsourcing system be abolished and they be placed directly on government rolls. They also demand the implementation of “equal pay for equal work” and job security. They say they work at the same risk as permanent employees.

Strike threatens to impact fire services

Nearly half of Punjab’s fire personnel are outsourced. The union has stated that during the strike, employees will neither operate fire brigade vehicles nor attend emergency calls. This could make it difficult to control fire incidents during the summer season.