On 5 May 2005, the city of Pathankot in Punjab witnessed a protest march of the brick kiln workers demanding minimum wages. The workers also demanded immediate transfer of the Pathankot Labour Officer alleging he was in connivance with the owners of the kilns.

 

The fixed minimum wage for the brick kiln workers in the state is Rs 2,000. but the protesting labourers were paid only Rs 1,000 per month. Though the workers had lodged a complaint, the labour department did not initiate any action. On 11 April 2005, the workers submitted a memorandum to the Labour and Conciliation Officer, Gurdaspur. Though the officer called two meetings on 26 and 29 April, nothing happened since the owners failed to turn up.

 

At the end of the protest march, the workers submitted a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Pathankot. The workers have threatened to intensify the agitation if their demand for minimum wages is not implemented by the kiln owners.