Talks between union leaders, transport minister fail again

CHANDIGARH: With the second round of talks between striking Haryana Roadways employees’ union leaders and transport minister Krishan Panwar failing on Wednesday over the issue of roping in 700 private buses once again, there seems no respite to the commuters in the days to come.

It was second time that the government had invited leaders of striking roadways employees, first time being on Sunday, when the talks fell through with both the government and the leaders sticking to their stands. The bus strike entered the ninth day on Wednesday.

The employees are opposing induction of 700 private buses fearing privatisation of the department. The government, on the other hand, refutes the allegation, saying that the step is in the interest of employees, people and the government.

The roadways union is also demanding recruitment of more employees to run about 850 roadways buses lying stationed for want of drivers or conductors

GOVT READY TO HOLD ON PENDING PACTS ON PRIVATE BUSES

Talking to the media after the failed talks, Panwar said union leaders were informed that the agreement with 510 private bus operators has already been approved by the cabinet, the government was ready to hold the decision on remaining 190 buses.

“We also assured them a fair probe into their allegations that some operators were favoured, yet the union leaders did not agree to end their strike,” he added.

UNION LEADERS FIRM ON ‘NO PVT BUSES’ DEMAND

Roadways employees’ union leaders, including Sarbat Punia, said that the talks failed as the government refused to accept their demand to withdraw its decision to induct 700 private buses. “The government is adamant on running private buses as it tends to favour a chosen few. When the government’s own 850 buses are lying unused for want of drivers or conductors, why not recruit more people?”he added.

Meanwhile, a major showdown seems imminent on Friday as the Haryana Sarvkarmchari Sangh, an umbrella body of government employees’ unions, has extended their support to the striking roadways employees. They would hold demonstrations at all 22 district headquarters on Thursday and go on mass casual leave on October 25.

SITUATION IMPROVING, CLAIMS GOVT

On the issue of plight of the commuters, additional chief secretary, transport, Dhanpat Singh said, “Since the demand of the union is unfair and they are interfering in the policy-making prerogative of the government, it has been decided to be firm on its stand.”