Truckers threaten protest on March 7

Jalandhar, March 4

Members of the All-India Trucker Operators’ Union and five labour organisations today said if the government failed to fulfil their demands, they would hold a protest on both sides of the Phillaur highway on March 7.

Their demands include tenders to be issued to truck unions, refund of securities paid at the time of tendering for the past 15 years and increase in transport rates citing no increase in rates for the past seven years.

Union members demanded that contractor system in food agencies of Punjab should end and direct payment be made to labourers.

They also demanded that the use of tractor-trailers for commercial works be stopped and HC orders be implemented regarding the same. They sought an end to overloading of vehicles and 10 times toll tax be charged from any overloaded vehicle at toll plazas. They also demanded streamlining of credentials of truckers and special stickers with all essential information on their vehicles so that drivers don’t face any harassment or loot on the pretext of checking. They also sought the agreement of truck operators for elections of the union president.

Happy Sandhu from the All-India Truck Operators’ Union, along with Ranjit Singh Sidhu, Kewal Singh and Chinderpal Singh Barnala, said if the state government failed to agree to their demands, they would protest on both sides of the Phillaur highway on March 7.