Union demands passes for tanker drivers amid lockdown

Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union in India has alleged that oil tanker drivers are facing the wrath of policemen amid the 21-day lockdown and should be given exemption passes. 

Ranjan Choudhury, the union’s Upper Assam President, said:“We urged the state government to provide curfew or corona passes for the drivers of tankers. Their service is essential and every day they are doing their duty but they are being assaulted by policemen when they ply their vehicles. The state government should look into the matter and take immediate step to resolve the issue.”

However, a number of tanker drivers are also facing problems because of the closing down of many ‘dhabas’ along their routes because they depend on the roadside eateries.

Chowdhury added: “Their service is essential and the government should take the initiative to resolve the issues because the drivers and handymen are doing their duty but still facing police brutalities which is not accepted.”

Around 15,000 drivers and handymen work under the banner of the mazdoor union.

For more information visit www.apmu.org

30th March 2020