Punjab Roadways, PRTC staff ends strike after talks; bus services to resume fully from tomorrow
PTC Web Desk: In a significant relief for thousands of daily commuters, contractual employees of Punjab Roadways and the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) ended their two-day strike following successful negotiations with the state Transport Department.
The breakthrough came during the second round of discussions between department officials and representatives of the Contractual Employees’ Union. Union leaders confirmed that drivers have begun reporting back to duty and the entire fleet is expected to operate normally from Friday morning.
The strike had brought public transport services to a grinding halt across the state, leaving passengers stranded at bus stands. Nearly 8,000 contractual workers from 27 depots had stayed away from work, paralysing operations for two consecutive days.
The protest has been suspended after the government assured the reinstatement of employees who were terminated in November. Workers arrested during earlier protests in December, and currently in jail, would be released soon.
Protesting leaders said they had decided to put the agitation on hold for now. However, if the assurances were not implemented, they would not hesitate to resume the strike.
The disruption was compounded by ‘Bharat Bandh’ observed by farmers’ bodies, trade unions and bank unions protesting against the India-US trade deal and certain labour policies. The bandh led to road blockades and sit-ins at several points, particularly in and around Patiala, further affecting traffic movement and routine life.
- PTC NEWS
