Punjab Roadways Strike: Harpal Cheema says agreement reached, Union seeks written assurance
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh/Patiala, October 24, 2026: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday said an agreement had been reached with representatives of the Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers’ Union on their key demands. However, union leaders said the strike would not be called off until the government issued written assurances.
Speaking to the media after a meeting with union representatives, Cheema said the discussions had taken place in a cordial atmosphere and that the government had agreed to address the employees’ demands.
He said official directions and letters would be issued soon. The minister also assured the employees that the process of issuing appointment letters would begin by next week.
Cheema added that the government was also considering the police cases and FIRs registered against employees during the protest, with a view to resolving the matter.
Union insists on written assurance
Meanwhile, union leader Rakesh Kumar said the employees would not end their strike solely on the basis of verbal assurances or statements made to the media.
Speaking at the union’s headquarters in Patiala, Kumar said a meeting of the state committee was still underway to discuss the outcome of the talks.
He acknowledged that the minister had described the employees’ demands as legitimate and assured them of an early resolution. However, he maintained that the union would take a final decision on the strike only after receiving an official written communication from the government.
The standoff continues as employees await formal confirmation of the assurances given during the meeting.