Shimla, June 24: A major transport disruption in Himachal Pradesh was averted after the proposed strike by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Drivers and Conductors Union was postponed following talks with Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Mukesh Agnihotri.
The unions had earlier announced a statewide strike over long-pending demands, including the release of dues and overtime payments. The proposed agitation had prompted the state government to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and make contingency arrangements to keep bus services operational.
Following discussions with Agnihotri, the employee unions decided to defer the strike, providing relief to thousands of daily commuters, students and tourists who rely on HRTC services across the state.
The Deputy Chief Minister assured employee representatives that their concerns would be addressed through dialogue and that the government remains committed to resolving legitimate issues of HRTC staff.
The decision comes as a relief for the state administration, which had been preparing emergency measures, including the engagement of temporary drivers and deployment of additional manpower, to ensure uninterrupted public transport services in the event of a strike.
