Patiala: Punjab’s public transport services continue to face disruption as the strike by PRTC and Panbus contract workers remains unresolved. Despite reports suggesting that the protest had ended, the workers have clarified through a video message that the strike will continue until their demands are formally accepted in writing.
The workers stated that although a consensus was reached during discussions, they will not resume duty until the government provides an official document confirming the agreed-upon commitments. They have also demanded the immediate release of all employees who were arrested during the protest.
A seven-hour meeting was held on Sunday between PRTC’s contractual employees and Transport Minister Laljit Bhullar. After the meeting, union president Resham Singh Gill said the talks were positive and held in a cordial atmosphere. He added that the minister responded favourably to most of their demands.
Their primary demand was the release of all detained workers. According to Gill, the minister assured them that those in custody would be freed soon. He said the strike would be called off once all detained colleagues safely return to their respective depots.
The union also claims that the government has agreed to consider several other demands. A new policy for the regularisation of contract workers is expected soon, with the minister promising its implementation. Gill further said that cases registered under Section 307 against several workers would be addressed, and their bail would be secured without delay.
