Ludhiana, Nov. 1 -- The Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC Contract Workers Union staged a protest on Friday against the state government's plan to induct 142 HVAC buses and 19 Volvo buses under the Punjab Roadways' kilometre scheme, alleging the move could pave the way for privatisation and jeopardise existing jobs.

Union state president Resham Singh Gill accused the government of backtracking on promises, saying that despite over 45 meetings with union representatives, officials continue to push privatisation. He alleged that instead of abolishing the contractual system, new contractors were being brought in, worsening the plight of outsourced workers. "Salaries are often delayed for weeks, forcing workers to strike. Instead of ensuring ...