Punjab bus strike: Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC contract workers announce three-day statewide strike from June 24

Punjab bus strike: The Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers Union has announced a complete statewide strike from June 24 to 26, alleging that the Punjab Government has failed to implement promises made to transport employees.

The decision was taken during a state committee meeting held in Ludhiana on June 19. Representatives from 27 depots across Punjab attended the meeting. State president Resham Singh Gill and union founder Kamal Kumar said more than four years have passed since the current government came to power, but the services of contract workers have still not been regularised.

The union leaders claimed that instead of strengthening the state-run transport system, the government has promoted privatisation through the km scheme. They alleged that private operators are being given preference while government-owned buses are not being added to the fleet.

The leaders also expressed concern over some union members who are reportedly facing legal action and are lodged in jail. They accused the government of ignoring workers' demands and attempting to suppress employees instead of fulfilling its commitments.

The union said it had originally planned to begin the strike on June 22. However, the protest was postponed after the government announced free transport facilities for candidates appearing in a major examination, prompting the union to avoid causing inconvenience to students.

The organisation has now decided to launch a public awareness campaign across Punjab's transport depots and proceed with the three-day strike from June 24 to 26. Union leaders also announced that workers will stage a protest outside the residence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during the agitation.