Punjab Roadways, PRTC contract workers continue strike on 2nd day amid Bharat Bandh
Large number of commuters stranded as talks between unions, government remain inconclusive
The “chakka jam” by Punjab Roadways and PRTC contract workers continued on the second consecutive day on Thursday, causing severe public inconvenience following a Bharat Bandh call by farmers, trade, and bank unions against the India-US trade deal.
The contract workers had launched an indefinite strike on Wednesday, disrupting transport services across the state. The government had invited the union delegation for talks on Wednesday, but the marathon meeting, which continued late into the evening, remained inconclusive.
The strike left large number of commuters stranded on Thursday as well, forcing them to rely on private buses.
Harkesh Vicky, state vice-president of the PRTC Contractual Employees Union, said around 8,000 workers from 27 depots participated in the strike.
He added that union representatives were holding talks with the Transport Secretary in Chandigarh, demanding the release of colleagues booked under serious charges, including attempted murder, during protests in early December.
The unions said several workers were detained in November in cases registered in Sangrur and Patiala following protests against government policies. More than two months later, the arrested employees remain in jail. Union leaders claimed that over 20 members were booked under non-bailable sections and 34 were terminated from service.
Meanwhile, trade unions have also planned protests across various parts of the state, which are expected to cause further inconvenience.
Farmers leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that in a democracy, everyone has the right to express their resentment peacefully, and the Bharat Bandh call was no different.
He added that the protest was against growing privatisation, noting that the India-US trade deal is detrimental to farmers.
