Metro bus service resumes after two-day protest in city

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 15

Drivers of the metro bus service, running under the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), staged a protest over non-payment of their salaries here today. Later, upon getting assurance from senior officials of the firm, they resumed the bus service that had been halted for the past two days.

The protesters stated that they didn’t get their salaries for the past four months.

The bus service had been halted since February 13 evening. The drivers of metro buses gathered at the BRTS bus terminal at Verka bypass and protested against the authorities concerned.

“We have been waiting for salaries for four months. Despite repeated requests, the management didn’t fulfil our demands,” said a demonstrator.

Harbans Singh, in charge of the metro bus service, said, “The conductors, security personnel and other employees have received their salary but there is some delay in case of drivers. The management of the company has been outsourcing drivers through a firm. Now, they will get all the benefits as per the terms and conditions of company employees. Due to the ongoing outsourcing process, the salaries have beem delayed.”

Officials claimed that the drivers would get salaries of last three months tomorrow evening. After getting assurance from senior officials in Chandigarh, they revived the bus service today afternoon. The employees alleged that salary delay was a routine affair.