Transport unions call off strike after meeting Punjab FM Harpal Cheema

Protesting Punjab Roadways and PUNBUS employees called off their strike after Finance Minister Harpal Cheema on Wednesday directed the Transport Department to hold a meeting with them in next 15 days to consider their demands, according to a statement.

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Cheema asked officials to submit a report to the Cabinet Sub-Committee headed by him in this regard.

The Finance Minister issued these directions during a meeting with the unions at Punjab Bhawan, which lasted for two hours.

The meeting was also attended by Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, Secretary Transport Varun Roojam, Director State Transport-cum-Managing Director PUNBUS Rajiv Gupta and Managing Director PRTC Bikramjit Singh Shergill. Cheema was presented with detailed demands and issues faced by contractual employees.

Earlier in the day, passengers across Punjab faced major inconvenience. The strike included a four-hour protest at bus stands in every district.

Most buses did not run, even though regular employees did not join the strike. Striking workers blocked entry to several bus stands and some roads.