Strike by Punjab Roadways staff leaves people stranded

Thousands of passengers were left helpless after contractual employees of the Punjab Roadways and Punbus went on strike here on Thursday. The protest led to disruption of bus services with not even a single bus either being plied from the Interstate Bus Terminal or reaching here. As a result, many people were left stranded in the absence of buses to take them to their destinations.

The employees, who are working on contract, observed the strike, demanding regular jobs and better job security. They also protested against the government’s ‘kilometre scheme’, which they say has been causing financial losses for years.

“We did not get any information about the strike. I came here early in the morning to catch a bus to Patiala, but found no bus at all,” said Gurpreet Kaur, a passenger waiting at the terminal with her luggage. She added that even as private buses are being operated, a huge rush of passengers has caused trouble as they are unable to board them. “I have a family function to attend and now I do nott know how I will reach on time,” she said.

Harbhajan Singh, another passenger, who had to travel to Chandigarh for medical treatment, said, “The government and bus staff should think about the common man. I have been waiting here for three hours now and no one is giving any clear information.”

However, the employees said they had already informed the authorities about the protest. Chanan Singh, a union leader of the protesting staff, said, “Before forming the government, AAP leaders had promised to regularise the services of all contractual employees. They said they would not add more buses under the kilometre scheme, but they have broken these promises.”

He said, “We have been raising our voices against this scheme for the last seven years. We have had around 44 meetings with the government, but nothing has changed.”

While passengers continue to struggle with delays and uncertainty, some employees say they will not call off the protest until their demands are met. The government is yet to respond to the strike officially. Tough days are ahead for passengers as the protest would continue, stated the employees.