Punjab bus strike on August 27 deferred after talks with Transport Minister; key demands addressed, says union
PTC News Desk: There will be no bus strike in Punjab on August 27 and buses will run usual. The decision was taken after a meeting between the Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers Union and Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
Union president Resham Singh said the meeting went well and an agreement was reached on several issues. Another meeting has been scheduled for September 6. Keeping the Raksha Bandhan festival in mind, the union has decided not to go on strike on August 27.
Resham Singh said several long-pending demands were discussed in detail, including the demand to regularise contractual employees. He said the Personnel and Finance departments have already given their approval and submitted their written comments. The union has asked the government to frame service rules and regularise the employees. The government has been given 10 days to act, with the next meeting scheduled for September 6.
Equal pay for equal work
The union also raised the issue of equal pay for equal work. The minister said the decision has been approved for all departments and will be implemented within the next few days.
Outsourced employees to be regularised
The issue of regularising outsourced employees was also discussed. The minister said the bill has already been passed, while some guidelines are being issued. The related official letter has also been released.
Cases against employees to be withdrawn
The union demanded the cancellation of cases registered against employees during protests. The Transport Minister said the Home Department had been contacted regarding the matter. The Home Department has sent letters to the SSPs of the two districts. Further action will be taken after their comments are received.
The demand for better pay for outsourced employees was also discussed, and the government has sought the relevant files. The issue of reinstating dismissed employees was also raised, and the government will consider their reinstatement.
New buses expected till September
Resham Singh said new buses are expected to arrive within the next two months, with the tender process currently underway.
The union has given the government until September 6 to fulfil its demands, keeping the Raksha Bandhan festival in mind. If the demands are not addressed by then, the union will decide on its next course of action.
- PTC NEWS
