Punjab Bus Strike Ends After Cheema Talks; Union Sets Oct 29 Deadlineਚੀਮਾ ਨਾਲ ਗੱਲਬਾਤ ਮਗਰੋਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਬੱਸ ਹੜਤਾਲ ਖ਼ਤਮ; ਯੂਨੀਅਨ ਦੀ 29 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਦੀ ਡੈੱਡਲਾਈਨ

Contractual workers of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC called off their four-day strike on Saturday, 24 October, after talks with Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema at the PRTC headquarters in Patiala, and bus services resumed across Punjab by the evening. The union says it has only postponed the agitation until 29 October and will resume an indefinite stoppage if the agreement is not formally implemented.

Why did the bus strike end?

The Tribune reported that the unions withdrew the protest after receiving written orders from the government on their demands. Babushahi earlier reported that Cheema said an agreement had been reached while union leaders insisted the strike would continue until they had it in writing. The strike had kept nearly 2,000 state-run buses off the roads, Hindustan Times reported on 22 October.

What has the government agreed to?

According to The Times of India, citing union members, outsourced employees will be brought into direct contractual service, with appointment letters to be handed out on 26 and 27 October. Cheema said the letters were expected next week, Punjab Newsline reported. The PUNBUS executive director has been named nodal officer to draft service rules, and a high-level meeting with the finance and personnel departments on 29 October will decide whether the rules need Board or Cabinet approval.

What about police cases and dismissed staff?

Cheema assured the unions that police cases registered during earlier protests would be reviewed, and the Home department will formalise an in-principle withdrawal, union members told The Times of India. Employees dismissed for minor administrative lapses are to be reinstated, and drivers and conductors involved in on-duty accidents stay eligible for the regular cadre if they submit self-declarations, according to union member Harkesh Kumar Vicky.

Will more buses be added?

Union members said existing procurement tenders will be raised by 25 per cent, adding about 100 buses for PUNBUS and 96 for PRTC, including 100 new mini buses for rural and feeder routes. PRTC has also tied up with Indian Oil to open fuel outlets on its vacant land in Patiala and Sangrur, and electronic ticketing machines will be introduced across depots after conductor training.

Is the strike completely over?

Not for good. The union told The Times of India the strike is postponed only until 29 October, when the government must show progress.

When will contract workers get appointment letters?

The union says 26 and 27 October; the minister said by next week.

What happens on 29 October?

A high-level meeting with the finance and personnel departments will consider the draft service rules and the demands that remain.