The railway labour union has announced to observe wheel-jam strike on August 5 against forced layoffs in the department, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.

The railway workers shut down their workshops and have gathered at the Railways Headquarters to protest no increase in salaries and forced layoffs.

Rail Mazdoor Ittehad leader Sarfraz Khan said they had taken the extreme decision as all their requests and pleas have fallen on deaf ears. “There is still time to raise the salaries by 100 percent and stop forced layoffs. The previous policy of pensions and annual increment should be retained.”

Another Rail Mazdoor Ittehad leader Mian Mahmood Nangiana sought immediate implementation on the three agreed demands of the labourers.

Other leaders demanded the removal of Director General Legal Tahir Butt and Legal Consultant Salman Kazmi. “We will throw them out if no action is taken against them,” he added.