PMPML contractors go on flash strike in Pune, call off later

The transport body had called the stir unnecessary as it sanctioned ₹54 crore on Thursday and the amount was transferred to contractors on Friday

Over 600 buses remained off the roads since Friday morning as contract workers of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) began a flash strike over pending dues.

There are 956 contract buses running across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad areas with around 600-700 buses daily plying on various routes. (HT PHOTO)

Later, around 4 pm, the contractors called off the strike after a meeting with PMPML officials.

The transport body had called the stir unnecessary as it sanctioned ₹54 crore on Thursday and the amount was transferred to contractors on Friday. PMPML served notice to contractor agencies under the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (Mesma).

There are 956 contract buses running across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad areas with around 600-700 buses daily plying on various routes.

Chetana Kerure, PMPML joint managing director, said, “There is no reason to call for a sudden strike as we have already sanctioned ₹54 crore to contractors. There could be some other reason behind the strike, and we issued notice to protesting contractors. We are taking steps to put maximum buses from our fleet of 1,200 on the roads.”