Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar assured the unions representing Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC contract and outsourced workers that steps are being taken swiftly and legally to regularize their employment, align salary structures, and implement pay hikes. As a result of these assurances, the unions have decided to postpone their planned strike from April 7 to 9.
During a meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Minister Laljit Singh stated that the regularization process will be carried out in phases, adhering to legal norms, and salary-related issues will be addressed within a set timeframe. He added that he would personally discuss the matter with the Advocate General and Finance Minister in the coming week.
Minister Laljit Singh also instructed officials to immediately address the issue of delayed EPF and ESI contributions by contractors and ensure such lapses do not occur in the future, so employees do not face disruptions in receiving their wages.
Minister Laljit Singh further said that the remaining demands of the employees are being actively reviewed and reiterated the state government’s commitment—under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann—to the welfare of all sections of society.