Chandigarh, Aug 21 (IANS): Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday appealed to the striking Group C and D employees in the secretariat and the districts to return to work, saying the government was trying to fulfil their pending demands despite the pandemic situation and the fiscal crisis prevailing in the state.

He urged the employees, on strike for the past one week, to end their protest and return to work in the interest of the state, which was going through extremely tough times.

Even amid the prevailing crisis, the government was looking into their demands, Amarinder Singh assured the employees, who went on strike after the withdrawal of their mobile phone allowance.

The employees have not reported for work since then, seeking resolution of their pending issues, including restoration of the allowance.

The Chief Minister said his government was committed to the interests and welfare of all its employees and would resolve their concerns as soon as possible, given the prevailing circumstances.