Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) drivers and conductors, led by their union president Man Singh Thakur, have issued a warning: if their long-standing demands are not met by July 31, they will work only 8 hours a day starting August 1.
Staff Meet to Push for Delayed Payments
On 24 July, HRTC held a gate meeting to demand:
- Pending Dearness Allowance (DA)
- On-time salary and pension payments
- Overtime due since July 5
- Medical reimbursement funds
- Night-duty payments
Thakur stated that despite a notice issued on July 11, none of these financial issues have been resolved. “We are still waiting for our July salaries, pensions, and other payments. You cannot run a household without a steady income,” he said.
Talks Underway, But Key Funds Still Pending
HRTC management held a discussion with the union for three hours on Wednesday. Thakur thanked the managing director but noted that the Deputy Chief Minister, who oversees transport, has not yet released crucial funds for pensions, medical reimbursements, and overtime.
We want a meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister on or before 31 July. If that doesn’t happen, we will keep holding protests and enforce the 8-hour work limit under the Motor Vehicle Act,” he warned.
Thakur also mentioned a tragic bus accident in Serka Ghat, Mandi district, where five people died and the driver and conductor were seriously hurt. He said, “We mourn the loss and pray for the families and injured staff.”
He criticised that though the Chief Minister promised 50 crore for night-duty allowances and 100 crore for medical reimbursements, only 15 crore has been released so far.
Staff Ready to Enforce 8-Hour Work Rule
The union has made it clear: if the government does not act by July 31, HRTC staff will refuse night duty and strictly work only 8 hours a day. “We wish to resolve this with talks. But if no action is taken, we will intensify our protest,” Thakur stated firmly.
