Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) workers in Barnala staged a strike on Tuesday, demanding job regularization and wage hikes. The workers sat on a dharna in front of the bus stand gate and warned that they would launch a bigger movement if their demands were not met.
The PRTC workers have been protesting for several years against the contractual system of employment. They say that they are being paid lower wages than regular PRTC employees and do not have the same benefits. They also say that they are being subjected to arbitrary transfers and suspensions.
The strike in Barnala is the latest in a series of protests by PRTC workers across Punjab. In May, workers in Amritsar and Jalandhar also staged dharnas demanding job regularization and wage hikes.
The PRTC management has so far not responded to the workers’ demands. However, the state government has assured the workers that their grievances will be addressed.
In a statement, the government said that it is committed to the welfare of PRTC workers and that it will take steps to regularize their jobs and improve their wages.
The strike by PRTC workers has caused inconvenience to commuters in Barnala. However, the workers say that they are willing to sacrifice their own interests for the sake of their future. They say that they will not back down until their demands are met.
Here are some additional details about the strike:
- The strike began on Tuesday morning and is ongoing.
- The workers are demanding job regularization and wage hikes.
- They are also demanding an end to the contractual system of employment.
- The strike has caused inconvenience to commuters in Barnala.
- The PRTC management has not responded to the workers’ demands.
- The state government has assured the workers that their grievances will be addressed.
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