Punjab bus strike: Punjab Roadways and PRTC contract workers go on three-day strike

PTC Web Desk:  In a major disruption to public transportation, contract workers of Punjab Roadways and PRTC (Pepsu Road Transport Corporation) have launched a three-day strike starting today, demanding regularisation of jobs and pay hikes. The strike is set to continue until July 11, severely impacting inter-state travel.

As a result of the strike, over 3,000 government buses were taken off the roads, leaving thousands of commuters stranded, particularly those traveling to Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.

While a few buses are being operated by permanent drivers, most depots are functioning at minimal capacity. Bus operations had already started slowing down by Tuesday evening, with long-route services being suspended ahead of the midnight strike.

With government buses off the roads, private bus operators have witnessed a surge in demand. Passengers are also increasingly depending on Haryana Roadways and Himachal Pradesh transport services. At bus terminals, the shortage of buses has led to long queues and extended waiting times.

Leaders of the striking union have declared that the protest will continue until their long-pending demands are met. These include regularisation of services of contractual employees, salary revisions, and the reinstatement of laid-off staff.

The protesters criticised the state government’s alleged apathy toward contract workers. They accused the government of ignoring genuine issues and forcing the unions to adopt the path of agitation.

The union has also issued a warning that if no action is taken by July 10, they would organise a protest rally in Chandigarh and gherao the residences of ministers.