Punjab Roadways and PRTC Contract Workers Initiate Strike Against AAP Government for Unmet Demands

Chandigarh, Jan 6 (NationPress) Employees of Punjab Roadways and PRTC commenced a three-day strike on Monday in protest against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state administration, demanding the regularization of contractual workers and the settlement of their ongoing issues.

The strike, orchestrated by the Punjab Roadways PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers Union, is affecting operations across 27 depots in Punjab, including locations such as Tarn Taran, Patiala, Chandigarh, and Jalandhar.

Thousands of contractual employees, including drivers, workshop mechanics, and clerical staff, are participating in the protest, leading to the suspension of nearly 3,000 bus operations and impacting routes statewide.

Protesters voiced their dissatisfaction with the government's lack of action. They assert that despite their prolonged advocacy for these demands, the state government has not taken any significant measures.

In a statement to IANS, Gurpreet Singh, President of the Chandigarh Depot for the Punjab Roadways PUNBUS Contract Workers Union, remarked: "We are protesting to demand the regularization of contractual drivers, workshop mechanics, and clerical staff. Approximately 8,000 contractual workers from PRTC, Punjab Roadways, and PUNBUS have engaged in this three-day strike."

Singh criticized the AAP government, claiming it has failed to fulfill its commitments.

"When the AAP assumed power in Punjab, they promised that all contractual employees across various departments would be made permanent within a month. However, no action has been taken. The government is blinded by power and is ignoring the concerns of both employees and passengers who are suffering due to a lack of buses," he stated.

Union leaders outlined further demands, including the cessation of the kilometre scheme, the addition of more buses to satisfy passenger requirements, and the repair of buses currently in workshops. They argued that the insufficient number of buses has exacerbated travel problems for the public.

The employees have warned of escalated protests if their demands remain unaddressed.

"If our demands are not met, we will stage a protest outside Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence in Chandigarh on Tuesday. Should there be no resolution, we will proceed to protest outside the residence of AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi," stated one employee.

Union representatives recalled a meeting with Chief Minister Mann in July that yielded no results, emphasizing that the government's indifference has left them with no option but to implement road blockades for three days.

This strike has led to major disruptions, with the majority of PRTC and Punjab Roadways buses parked at depots, including the PRTC depot located in Chandigarh's Industrial Area Phase 2. Passengers throughout Punjab are experiencing difficulties due to the suspension of services.

Union leaders have urged the government to take swift action, warning that continued inaction will only worsen the situation for both employees and the public.