Shimla, June 23
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) driver-conductor union has announced a statewide bus strike from midnight on 24 June, following talks with the state government that failed to resolve pending financial dues and the transfer of union president Man Singh Thakur.
The dispute between HRTC employees and the government escalated after Man Singh Thakur was transferred from Shimla to Chamba. Following an unsuccessful meeting with the Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) at the state secretariat, the union decided to launch a statewide ‘chakka jam’.
The technical union and the Pensioners’ Joint Action Committee have also backed the proposed strike. The union has urged the public to avoid making bus bookings after 24 June.
The main issue behind the dispute is the pending financial liabilities of around 12,000 HRTC employees. During the meeting, union representatives demanded the cancellation of Man Singh Thakur’s transfer order, but no consensus was reached.
Man Singh Thakur said that the employees were initially invited for a meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister. However, after reaching the secretariat, they were informed that the meeting had been cancelled and discussions would instead be held with the Additional Chief Secretary (Transport).
During the discussion, employees demanded the withdrawal of the transfer order and written confirmation regarding their pending financial claims. With no agreement reached, the union members walked out of the meeting and announced a strike starting at midnight on 24 June.
The union has made it clear that further discussions will not take place until the transfer order is withdrawn and written instructions are issued regarding the pending financial dues.
“The transfer order must be cancelled and written orders on pending financial liabilities must be issued before any further talks can happen.”
