Himachal Pradesh invokes ESMA to block HRTC strike from midnight Wednesday
Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh has invoked ESMA to stop HRTC workers from striking at midnight Wednesday — but talks broke down over a single driver's transfer, exposing how a narrow grievance can trigger a statewide transport shutdown. The government is now scrambling to hire temporary drivers to keep buses running.
Key Takeaways
The Himachal Pradesh government invoked ESMA on 23 June 2025 to block a planned HRTC employee strike from midnight Wednesday.
The HRTC Employees' Union called the strike over long-pending demands; talks collapsed after the union walked out over the transfer of one driver.
A meeting chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) failed to produce a resolution on Tuesday .
The Himachal Pradesh High Court had ruled such strikes illegal in CWP No.
1511/2016 on 13 June 2016 .
HRTC will conduct a walk-in selection for temporary drivers on Wednesday at 12 noon at all Regional Manager offices statewide.
The Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday, 23 June invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent a strike by Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) employees, scheduled to begin from midnight Wednesday. The move prohibits participation in any strike or related activities, with strict penal action warned against violators.
Why the Strike Was Called
The HRTC Employees' Union had announced the strike citing long-pending demands that, it alleged, had gone unaddressed by management. The union's call came despite what the government described as continuous dialogue between HRTC management and employee representatives to resolve outstanding concerns.
Breakdown at the Negotiating Table
A meeting was convened on Tuesday at the Administrative Department level, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (Transport). However, talks collapsed when union representatives raised the issue of the transfer of one driver and demanded its immediate withdrawal. They walked out of the meeting without engaging on other pending demands, despite repeated requests from officials to continue discussions.
Legal Backing and Court Precedent
The government cited a Himachal Pradesh High Court order dated 13 June 2016 in CWP No. 1511/2016, which held such strikes by roadways employees to be illegal. Unions have been formally apprised of the legal provisions and judicial precedents governing such industrial action.
Contingency Measures to Keep Buses Running
HRTC has activated a contingency plan to ensure uninterrupted public transport across the state. The corporation has notified a policy for the temporary engagement of drivers on a day-to-day basis at fixed remuneration. A walk-in selection process is scheduled for Wednesday at 12 noon at all Regional Manager offices across Himachal Pradesh.
Government Appeal and Monitoring
HRTC management has appealed to union representatives to reconsider and withdraw the proposed strike in the larger public interest. The state government has said the situation is being closely monitored and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure service continuity for commuters across the hill state.
Point of View
Suggesting the real dispute runs deeper than the stated demands. The government's contingency plan — walk-in driver hiring at noon on the day of the strike — is reactive rather than preventive, and signals that the dialogue process had already broken down well before Tuesday's walkout. If the underlying grievances remain unaddressed, ESMA buys time but not resolution.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ESMA and why has Himachal Pradesh invoked it?
The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) is a law that prohibits strikes in essential public services. Himachal Pradesh invoked it on 23 June 2025 to prevent HRTC employees from going on strike from midnight Wednesday, warning that any participation in the strike or related activities will attract strict penal action.
Why are HRTC employees planning to strike?
The HRTC Employees' Union announced the strike over long-pending demands that it says have not been resolved despite repeated dialogue with management. Talks on Tuesday also broke down after the union demanded the immediate withdrawal of a driver's transfer and walked out of the meeting.
Is the HRTC strike legal?
No, according to the Himachal Pradesh government. It cited a Himachal Pradesh High Court order dated 13 June 2016 in CWP No. 1511/2016, which held such strikes by roadways employees to be illegal. Unions have been formally informed of this legal position.
How will HRTC maintain bus services if the strike goes ahead?
HRTC has activated a contingency plan that includes the temporary engagement of drivers on a day-to-day basis at fixed remuneration. A walk-in selection process will be held on Wednesday at 12 noon at all Regional Manager offices across Himachal Pradesh.
What happens next in the HRTC strike standoff?
The government has appealed to union representatives to withdraw the strike call in the public interest. The situation is being closely monitored, and the outcome will depend on whether unions reconsider their position before the midnight Wednesday deadline.
