Dehradun’s Smart City electric AC bus conductors continued their strike for a third consecutive day over delays in salary payments, affecting the city’s public transport services. Amid the ongoing disruption, the company has issued notices directing employees to return to duty immediately and warning of disciplinary action.
Operations of electric AC buses run under the Smart City project in Dehradun remained affected for a third straight day. Conductors protesting alleged delays in salary payments continued their strike, resulting in most buses remaining parked at the workshop in Transport Nagar.
The disruption has affected passengers who rely on the buses for daily travel. Conductors have alleged that salary payment irregularities have persisted for a long time. They said the issue remained unresolved despite being raised repeatedly, prompting them to launch the protest.
Amid the strike, RK Associates, the outsourced agency linked to bus operations, issued notices to employees directing all conductors to resume duty immediately.
The notice stated that employees who remain absent without permission, participate in a work boycott, or obstruct bus operations could face strict disciplinary action. The company also said action, including termination of services for employees participating in the strike, may be taken.
The company’s notice further stated that employees’ security deposits could be forfeited if they do not return to work soon. It added that legal action would be taken in cases involving indiscipline or damage to government property.
According to the company, disruption of public transport services is causing inconvenience to passengers, and employees should fulfil their responsibilities.
The dispute that began over salary payments appears to have escalated into a direct confrontation between employees and the company. While employees remain firm on their demands, the company has adopted a strict position and warned of action.
At present, no agreement appears to have been reached between the two sides regarding a resolution. If the dispute continues, the impact on the city’s Smart City public transport services may increase further until a settlement is reached.
