VIKRAMDITYA SHARMA
Ferozepur: Hundreds of commuters had to bear the brunt due to state level strike of Punjab Roadways and PRTC Contractual Employee Union. Though, private bus service was available but due to absence of government transportation, the commuters, especially females, had to suffer. Besides, those commuters, who had to go to the nearby places for their jobs, also found difficult to reach their destination.
It is pertinent to mention here that the members of the PRTC contractual employee union had called for a state level today. Jatinder Singh, President Ferozepur Depot contractual employee union said that they had already given ultimatum to the state government one month ago regarding today’s protest but the government did not bother and did not fulfill their demands. “More than 3000 buses in Punjab are on halt today. In Ferozepur depot, 110 buses have been affected and 300 contractual employees of this depot are on strike”, said Jatinder Singh.(SUBHEAD)
Bheem Parkash (70) and his wife Raj Rani (63), both residents of Fazilka said that due to this strike they had to face immense problem. “We had to Kota in Rajasthan to meet our kids. We were not aware about today’s strike and now we have stuck in Ferozepur. The scorching heat and humidity are also creating lot of problems for us”, said Bheem Parkash.
Jatinder Kaur (32), a resident of Zira said that she could not reach in time to her office due to the strike. “I daily travel from Zira to Ferozepur but today there was no bus available and I had to wait for more than one hour at the bus stop”, said Jatinder.
The main demands of the these contractual employees include confirmation of job, direct contract system, implication of the decisions taken during the meeting with Chief Secretary held on December 19, 2022, government bus service to be increased and others .
