The union declared that on Republic Day, January 26th, rallies and protests will take place at the gates of all depots with black ribbons tied.
The PUNBUS–PRTC Contract Employees Union accused the government of not fulfilling its promises, forcing them to protest. The union warned that if their demands are not met soon, they will block government buses.
Union State President Resham Singh Gill remarked that despite numerous years of independence, workers continue to be denied the opportunity to express their concerns. Unfounded charges have been made against protesting workers, resulting in their incarceration. Leaders stated that the government is progressing towards privatizing the department to advantage private companies, consistently releasing tenders for the kilometer scheme, a step the union still contests.
During this event, State General Secretary Shamsher Singh Dhillon, along with Joint Secretaries Jagtar Singh, Jalore Singh, and Rohi Ram, mentioned that concrete evidence of the Kilometer Scheme’s losses has been presented to the government, but it is disregarding this and continuing with its privatization agenda. Union leaders stated that employees within government organizations are being singled out.
The union declared that on Republic Day, January 26th, rallies and protests will take place at the gates of all depots with black ribbons tied. Should the issues remain unaddressed at the meeting on January 28th, the union will declare a determined fight, which will involve a continuous sit-in in Sangrur. This will feature gate rallies on February 9th, a protest by parking buses at the depot on February 11th, and a total strike on February 12th, with a sit-in outside the home of the Chief Minister of Punjab.
Speakers noted that PUNBUS and PRTC have a debt of around Rs 1,200 crore due to free rides, which has resulted in the department being unable to disburse salaries. Loans from banks for acquiring new buses are also being denied. The kilometer program continues to operate at a deficit, as the government favors private contracts instead of its own bus services.
