Chandigarh: Commuters relying on state-run transport services in Punjab face potential disruptions as contract employees of the Punjab Roadways Regional Transport Corporation and Punbus prepare to launch a fresh strike. The contract workers’ union has threatened a complete suspension of bus services across the state if their long-pending demands are not met by the administration.
In an attempt to defuse the escalating situation, the Managing Director of the corporation has invited the union representatives for an emergency meeting at the head office on Nabha Road in Patiala. The discussions are expected to focus on the grievances highlighted by the contractual workforce, who have been protesting for a considerable period to seek official intervention.
Union leaders stated that the government has consistently ignored their persistent struggles and legitimate demands. They raised serious concerns over the ongoing privatization of various government departments, arguing that such policies directly threaten the job security and future of contract workers. The union also alleged that the administration has resorted to registering false cases against protesting employees and taking punitive measures, including detentions, to suppress their voice.
The employees emphasized that multiple attempts have been made to draw the state government’s attention to their operational and financial issues, but no concrete solutions have materialized so far. A final decision on the state-wide transport shutdown will hinge entirely on the outcome of the ongoing dialogue between the union representatives and the management.
