'Won't provide buses for political rallies': Punjab Roadways contract workers

The Punjab Roadways/PRTC Contract Workers Union has announced a major policy change, formally informing the PRTC General Manager that its members will no longer provide buses for political rallies. The contract staff will restrict their work to only routine route duties.

The union's decision stems from the government's persistent failure to resolve their longstanding demands despite repeated promises.

Crucially, the workers also cited grave safety concerns, particularly after a recent incident where firing occurred at a political rally. Citing safety issues, the union declared it "will not take vehicles to any political rally" until their issues are addressed. The letter submitted to the PRTC management states that contract staff feels insecure and will not cooperate with the use of buses for political processions.

The union’s decision follows a violent incident last week in Tarn Taran. A group of youths allegedly attacked a Punjab Roadways bus that was transporting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers to a rally of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The attack took place near Moose village. Eyewitnesses reported that assailants stopped the bus and opened fire. One party worker, Satinderpal Singh from Moose village, sustained a critical bullet injury. This act of violence appears to have cemented the workers' resolve to prioritise their safety over political obligations.