In a statement, union president Ram Sarup and general secretary Bhagmal Rana said the next date will be decided at the executive committee meeting of union later. They said the strike was deferred after the UT chief engineer assured to implement their demands in a time-bound manner.

The administration had, however, made all arrangements to deal with the situation in the event of the Thursday strike. The administration advised the employees to attend their respective duties, making it clear that the defaulting employees will be liable for disciplinary action under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).

In a statement issued today, the administration said it has always been sympathetic to the genuine demands of the employees of the electricity department and there was no reason for any strike. "The principle of no-work-no-pay will be strictly enforced if they go on strike," said the statement.