HRTC Union withdraws strike decision after talks with Himachal government

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Shimla, June 25

The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Drivers-Conductors Union has withdrawn its proposed strike after a three-hour meeting with the state government ended in an agreement on Wednesday evening.

The discussion was held with Additional Chief Secretary R. D. Nazeem, following which the union announced that the strike decision had been cancelled. Union president Man Singh Thakur said the government had accepted several major demands related to employees’ pending issues.

Thakur claimed that the government had accepted demands and pending liabilities worth around ₹42–45 crore. The agreement includes the release of 12 months’ pending overtime payments, while future overtime payments will be cleared regularly within one to two months.

The union president said approval was also given for releasing around ₹7.30 crore in pending medical reimbursement claims. In addition, drivers, conductors, and mechanics will receive a cash allowance for one uniform, with one uniform provided immediately.

The meeting also discussed salary discrepancies affecting senior drivers and pay-related issues of conductors. It was decided that these matters would be referred to the Service Committee for further consideration.

The restoration of the 4-9-14 benefit and other pending employee-related cases were also discussed positively during the meeting. Thakur added that the demand for conductors to sit on the front seat after completing 150 kilometers of travel had also been accepted.

Issues related to transfers and charge sheets were also discussed during the meeting. Thakur said the union decided to withdraw the strike after considering the state government’s financial situation and employees’ interests.

Man Singh Thakur, President of HRTC Drivers-Conductors Union, said the government had accepted the major demands of employees, following which the union decided to withdraw the strike.