PTC Web Desk: Contract employees of Punjab Roadways, PRTC and Punbus held a meeting in Ludhiana on Thursday, followed by a press conference, during which they announced a statewide strike from December 8 to December 10 in protest against the Punjab Government’s policies.
The unions declared that bus services across the state would remain suspended during these three days, resulting in a complete chakka jam. As part of their agitation plan, workers will hold gate rallies on November 28 and December 2 at depots across Punjab.
Union leaders warned that if the government proceeds with issuing tenders under the km scheme, they will immediately launch a complete strike. They also stated that the upcoming December strike is aimed at opposing the kilometre scheme as well as the alleged move towards the privatisation of the transport department.
Workers expressed dissatisfaction with the state government, saying that despite several rounds of talks over the past few months, no concrete solution has been reached. They pointed out that while the Transport Minister had scheduled a meeting on November 19, he did not attend it personally and instead sent the department secretary, which they termed disrespectful.
Union representatives alleged that the kilometre scheme is being pushed only to benefit corporate houses, while the government is ignoring the poor condition of many condemned buses that urgently need replacement. They added that the privatisation of government departments would severely impact job opportunities for youth and hinder the regularisation of services of thousands of contractual employees.
