As per reports, contractual employees of Punjab Roadways, Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) and PUNBUS commenced an indefinite strike on Wednesday (21 October), protesting the non-fulfilment of their demands by the Punjab Government.
• The strike has resulted in approximately 1,700 buses remaining off the roads, disrupting public transport services across the state.
• The employees are demanding the regularisation of contractual employees who have been working in the department for an extended period, the inclusion of outsourced employees under the department’s control, and equal pay for equal work.
• They have also demanded a ban on kilometre-based buses and an increase in the number of government-operated buses.
• Additionally, employee organisations are seeking the withdrawal of cases filed against employees during protests, the reinstatement of suspended employees, and the resolution of alleged irregularities related to Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI).
• The employees stated that the government had previously provided written assurances regarding their demands but had not taken concrete steps to implement them.
• Preliminary information indicates that regular employees are reportedly operating buses according to their duty rosters; however, the strike is likely to cause inconvenience to passengers dependent on government buses for daily commuting and other essential activities.
• The employees have warned that the strike will continue until their demands are addressed, and the disruption to public transport may worsen if an agreement is not reached with the government.
• Further updates are awaited.
Categories: Civil Disturbances - Non-political Strikes
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