In a major development, staff of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC have declared a state-wide bus strike on Thursday. The aim of the strike is to protest against the partial disbursement of their salaries and long-standing financial neglect by the government.
Sources said the transport employee unions have expressed strong resentment over receiving only half of their salaries, blaming both the department and the Punjab Government for their financial struggles.
The delay in disbursing the full salary was especially a cause of concern at a time when they needed money for their kids’ school admissions, fee payments, and purchasing wheat for the year, the staff stated.
The government has reportedly not released approximately Rs 600 crore in dues, which resulted in severe salary distribution problems. Employees say funds have not been allocated for the last six months.
A recent meeting with Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema had raised hopes for a resolution, as the release of funds was discussed but no action had been taken so far, they further said.
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