Bus strike in Punjab: Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC contract workers go on strike
PTC Web Desk: Bus services across Punjab are set to be disrupted today (November 17) as Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC contract workers go on strike from 12 noon. The Punjab Roadways PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Worker Union has intensified its opposition to the state government’s proposed km-based scheme for private buses, warning that the opening of the tender will lead to a full-scale agitation.
Union representatives allege that the Punjab Government is attempting to allow private operators to run buses under the kilometre scheme, which they claim will inflict financial losses on the state exchequer. They are also demanding the regularisation of services of contractual employees, stating that the government has ignored repeated warnings about the adverse impact of the scheme.
Workers will halt all Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC buses from 12 pm onwards. Depot committees have been instructed to remain present at their respective depots. The first phase of the protest will take place outside the residence and head office of the PRTC chairman and MD. The union has announced that if the government continues with the tender process, employees will march to Chandigarh on November 18 and stage a permanent demonstration outside the Chief Minister’s residence. All depot committees have been asked to mobilise for the protest.
The Punjab Government earlier attempted to open the tender twice under the km scheme. On one occasion, just before Raksha Bandhan, workers halted buses at noon, leading to chaos at bus stands across the state and eventually forcing the government to postpone the tender date.
A similar situation occurred on October 23 during the Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll, when bus services stopped and the government again deferred the tender.
The Punjab Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) currently operates buses on 577 routes, covering Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. PRTC buses collectively travel around 3,55,827 km daily.
The corporation employs a total of 3,065 staff members, including 1,755 contractual or outsourced workers.
- PTC NEWS
