Punjab bus strike called off: Workers suspend agitation after meeting with Transport Secretary

The indefinite strike by staff of Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC has been withdrawn following discussions between union representatives and Punjab Transport Secretary Varun Roojam on Wednesday.

The protest, which had disrupted bus services across several parts of the state, was organised under the banner of the Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC Contract Workers Union (Punjab). The agitation was expected to gain further momentum as contractual drivers and conductors of PRTC had also announced support for the movement.

Union leaders said the strike was initially planned for June 22 to 24 but was advanced after Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema flagged off five Volvo buses operating under the Punbus kilometre scheme on the Chandigarh-Delhi Airport route earlier this week.

Employees viewed the move as a step towards privatisation of the state transport sector. In response, the union decided to begin an indefinite statewide strike from June 9 instead of waiting until the scheduled protest dates.

The workers' unions have consistently opposed the introduction of private buses under the kilometre scheme. They claimed that during earlier meetings with the government, assurances were given that their objections would be taken into consideration. However, the launch of the Volvo buses forced employees to intensify their agitation.

Union representatives maintained that the government should focus on strengthening state-run transport services by increasing the fleet of Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC buses and filling vacant positions instead of relying on private operators.

Apart from opposing the kilometre scheme, contractual employees have also raised several long-pending demands, including regularisation of their services, implementation of equal pay for equal work, reinstatement of terminated employees, withdrawal of cases registered against workers during previous protests and better welfare measures for outsourced staff.

PRTC union leaders said they are seeking the release of 10 union members from the Sangrur depot who are currently lodged in jail.

Following the latest round of talks with the Transport Secretary, the unions decided to suspend their strike. The decision has brought relief to thousands of daily commuters who had been affected by the disruption in bus services.