Thousands of contract workers affiliated with Punjab Roadways, Punbus, and PRTC have organized gate rallies across Patiala and 26 other locations in Punjab. The protests, held on Friday, aim to secure the release of union members who have been incarcerated for the past six months and to address other pending demands.
Protestors Voice Grievances, Threaten Statewide Strike
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the union leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of their demands. They highlighted the continued imprisonment of employees from Patiala and Sangrur, arrested following an agitation on November 28, 2025. These workers face charges of attempt-to-murder for allegedly attacking police personnel.
The union asserted that an agreement had been reached with the government concerning the release of these workers, yet many remain in custody. This alleged breach of promise has fueled the discontent among the transport employees.
Harkesh Vicky, the state spokesperson and senior vice-president of the union, stated in Patiala that the government’s failure to uphold its commitments would no longer be tolerated. He accused the administration of neglecting the concerns of transport employees and actively pursuing policies that favour the privatization of public transport services, notably through the promotion of buses under the kilometre scheme.
Union leaders also pointed to the significant reduction in the state-owned bus fleet. They claimed that approximately 500 government buses have been decommissioned over the last four years, with insufficient measures taken to introduce new vehicles into the fleet. This, they argue, impacts service quality and employment opportunities.
Meeting Postponed, Future Action Looms
The protests come as a scheduled meeting between union leaders and the Transport Minister, initially set for May 15, has been rescheduled to May 18. Union state president Resham Singh Gill conveyed that the outcome of this upcoming meeting is critical.
Gill issued a stern warning, stating that if the discussions on May 18 do not yield a satisfactory resolution, the union is prepared to initiate an immediate statewide strike. Such a strike would likely disrupt public transportation services across Punjab.
The rallies saw substantial participation from contract workers who voiced their solidarity with the jailed colleagues and their collective demands. The workers expressed frustration over the prolonged legal battles and the perceived lack of empathy from the government authorities.
The core demands of the union extend beyond the immediate release of imprisoned members. They include long-term assurances regarding job security, fair wages, and the cessation of policies that could lead to the privatization of the state-run transport corporations. The workers believe that these corporations are vital public assets that should be strengthened, not undermined.
The government’s reliance on the kilometre scheme, where private entities operate buses on a per-kilometre payment basis from the state, has been a particular point of contention. The union argues that this scheme is a veiled attempt at privatization, which could eventually lead to the dismantling of the public transport infrastructure built over decades.
The ongoing agitation reflects a broader struggle by contract workers in the public sector across various states, highlighting issues of labour rights, contractual employment, and the perceived erosion of public services. The situation in Punjab remains tense as both the government and the union await the crucial meeting scheduled for later this week.
The Chenab Times News Desk