Employee union gives call for fight to finish if all pending dues not cleared in 15 days
TNR News Network
SHIMLA: Mounting frustration over delayed salaries has pushed Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) drivers and conductors to intensify their protest. For the second consecutive day on Tuesday (December 9, 2025), members of the HRTC Drivers and Conductors Union demonstrated outside the corporation’s headquarters at the old bus stand, accusing the state government and HRTC management of neglect and mismanagement.
Union president Man Singh Thakur led the protest, declaring that employees were left with no option but to agitate. “If the government wants to shut HRTC, shut it. If they want to hand it over to private operators, do it. But at least give us the money we have earned through hard work,” he said, expressing the growing anger among staff.
He alleged that workshops lacked spare parts and mechanics, yet the management continued to pressure staff to run faulty buses on routes.
We will park buses, warn employees
Protesters claimed they face threats of chargesheets whenever they refuse to operate unfit buses and when breakdowns occur on routes, it is the drivers and conductors who face public anger and even assault. Thakur said resentment against the corporation and government is at its peak.
“If our salaries and pending dues are not released immediately, employees won’t hesitate to take drastic steps,” he warned. The union has announced that a decisive call would be made on December 24, possibly leading to an indefinite strike. “We will park the buses,” he added, stating that the ongoing financial strain has made it extremely difficult for workers to support their families.
Thakur said employees were tired of repeated excuses. “Whenever the issue of salaries and allowances comes up, they talk about losses. Our staff works day and night, but when it comes to giving us our financial benefits, the corporation drags its feet,” he said.
According to the union, overtime allowance worth Rs 100 crore remains pending, along with arrears dating back to 2016. Medical reimbursement for over five years has also not been released.
He cautioned the administration that if all financial benefits were not cleared within 15 days, employees would be forced to take an uncompromising stand. “Now it will be a fight to the finish,” Thakur declared.
