Overview
- Contractual drivers and conductors from Punjab Roadways, PRTC and Punbus launched an indefinite strike on August 14 to demand job regularisation, payment of pending wages and cancellation of kilometre-scheme tenders.
- Protesters gathered at 27 bus depots statewide, halting routes across major cities and causing a substantial portion of the state-run fleet to remain off the roads.
- Commuters faced widespread inconvenience, resorting to private operators and losing free bus travel benefits offered to women in government services.
- Union leaders allege that monthly salaries and arrears have not been credited to workers’ accounts despite official claims that funds were released.
- Organisers have announced black-flag demonstrations on August 15 and threatened to gherao Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during the Independence Day function if demands are not addressed.