Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, PRTC contract workers end strike after written assurance from govt
PTC Web Desk: The three-day strike by the Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers Union has been called off after the Punjab Government gave a written assurance to address the employees' long-pending demands. However, the union has warned that it will launch another statewide bus strike if the commitments are not fulfilled by August 14.
According to the union, workers from all 27 depots across Punjab had gathered in large numbers at the Mohali Bus Stand on Tuesday. They were preparing to march towards the Chief Minister's residence as part of their protest programme.
Sensing the growing agitation, the administration facilitated talks between the union and the Punjab Government. A meeting was held with the Secretary of the Punjab Transport Department, following which the government issued a written communication assuring the union that its demands would be addressed.
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Union leaders said the written assurance includes the implementation of the PRTC Service Rules, 1981, under which services of contract employees of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC would be regularised.
The government has also assured that outsourced employees will be brought under the policy framework during the current session and shifted to the contractual category.
The letter further states that these issues will be discussed during the Board of Directors (BOD) meeting scheduled for August 11.
Another key assurance relates to workers who faced legal action during earlier protests. According to the agreement, cases registered against employees during agitations will be withdrawn within one month.
Union leader Shamsher Singh Dhillon said several other demands, including salary revision, reinstatement of employees and amendments to service conditions, fall within the department's jurisdiction and should be implemented without delay. He said a meeting with the Punjab Transport Minister has been officially scheduled for August 14. If the government fails to resolve the pending issues during that meeting, the union will resume its agitation.
"We will completely halt government bus services across Punjab and intensify our protest. The responsibility for any such situation will rest with the Punjab government and the management," he said.
Union leaders Resham Singh Gill and Harkesh Kumar Vicky said the strike was withdrawn after the government issued a written assurance covering all major demands raised by the employees. They expressed hope that the commitments would now be implemented within the agreed timeline.
- PTC NEWS
