Punjab Roadways and PRTC contract employees announce strike from November 16

Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC Contract Workers Union has announced a three-day state-wide strike starting November 16 due to non-fulfillment of demands. The union has warned that if the government does not resolve their issues, it will be turned into an indefinite strike.

This decision was taken in a state-level meeting of the union held at Isru Bhawan in Ludhiana, which was attended by representatives of various depots.

Union state president Resham Singh Gill, general secretary Shamsher Singh Dhillon and founder Kamal Kumar stated that a high-level meeting was held on October 29 with the transport minister and officials of the finance, home and personnel departments. They alleged that assurances to accept the demands were given during the meeting, but no steps were taken on the ground.

According to union leaders, the government had promised to place Punbus service rules in the cabinet to regularize contract employees and bring outsourced workers onto contracts under the August 14, 2026 law. Apart from this, the demand to withdraw police cases registered against 30 employees during past struggles is also pending.

Sharing the outline of the struggle, the leaders stated that employees will hold a protest under the Contract Employees Struggle Morcha in Dirba on November 5. Political rallies of the government will be opposed starting November 8, and gate rallies will be held in front of all bus depots on November 10. During this, protests will also be held outside the residences of the chief minister and transport minister.

Senior vice president Harkesh Kumar Vicky, Baljinder Singh and Jalour Singh said that employees are demanding equal pay for equal work, restoration of 37 discontinued allowances, cashless health facilities, and EPF and ESI benefits. Along with this, the employees are also opposing the private kilometer scheme.

Key developments

• Punjab Roadways and PRTC contract employees announce three-day strike from November 16
• Warning to launch indefinite strike if demands are not met
• Protest in Dirba on November 5 and gate rallies in front of depots on November 10
• Main demand to regularize employees, bring outsourced workers on contract and withdraw cases