Haryana Roadways employees on Thursday extended their ongoing strike by another two days and announced a rally in
Jind district on November 4.
The employees are on strike since October 16 against the government's decision to hire 700 buses from private owners. There are about 19,000 employees in the Haryana Roadways.
The Haryana Roadways Employees Coordination Committee Thursday decided to extend the stir till November 4, committee leader Dalbir Kirmara said.
"On November 4, the protesters will hold a 'save roadways protect employment' state-level rally at Jind," he said.
Holding the BJP government "directly responsible" for the strike, Kirmara said, "The present dispensation is least bothered about employees and people of the state and its only aim is to benefit the chosen ones."
He said the employees will announce their next course of action at the Jind rally.
"Activists of the Sarv Karmachari Sangh and the Haryana Karamchari Mahasangh and gram panchayats and khap leaders have been invited to attend the rally," Kirmara said.
The employees had last Thursday decided to extend their strike till October 29 after their talks with the government failed to make anyway headway. The strike was later extended till November 2.
Several rounds of talks between the government and Roadways employees to end the stalemate have remained inconclusive.
The employees allege that the government's move to induct 700 private buses is a step towards privatisation of the department.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, however, has denied the allegations.
Opposition Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) have already extended their support to the protesting employees.
The stir has hit the public transport services despite the state government making alternate arrangements, including appointing drivers and conductors and hiring buses.
The roadways, having a fleet of 4,100 buses, cater to about 12 lakh passengers daily.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
