The tension between Haryana Roadways employees and the state transport department flared up again today as workers staged protests during their morning shifts. These “gate meetings” served as a formal mobilization of the workforce ahead of the peak festival season.
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Financial Grievances: The primary bone of contention is the non-payment of the annual Diwali bonus, which workers claim has been delayed for several cycles. Additionally, drivers and conductors raised the issue of unpaid overtime from 2020-21, when they were deployed for the emergency transport of migrant laborers.
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Alleged Step-Motherly Treatment: Union leaders at the Sirsa and Rohtak depots accused the government of prioritizing private interests. “The government has recently released nearly ₹50 crore to private bus operators under the kilometer scheme, even for the periods when buses didn’t run, yet the legitimate dues of permanent employees are being ignored,” stated a union spokesperson.
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Key Demands:
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Immediate release of the Diwali Bonus for the current and previous years.
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Clearance of Overtime and Night Allowances pending for the last three years.
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Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
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Implementation of risk allowances for staff working on long-distance and sensitive routes.
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Operational Impact: While the gate meetings were timed to minimize disruption to the general public, brief delays in bus departures were reported from some smaller depots. However, the unions clarified that this was a “symbolic warning” and that full-scale service disruptions would only follow if the Transport Minister failed to call them for a decisive meeting.
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The “Bonus” Contrast: Protesters pointed out that while other state government departments have received guidelines for festive advances, the Roadways department—often considered the backbone of Haryana’s public service—has been left in the dark.
Way Forward: The Sanjha Morcha has announced that they will submit a fresh memorandum to the General Managers of all depots by this evening. If a positive response is not received within the next 72 hours, the committee plans to hold a state-level convention to announce a date for a “Chakka Jam” (complete transport strike).
