More than 3600 conductors of Himachal Pradesh Transport Corporation (HRTC), observing chain hunger-strike in front of State Assembly, have ended their protest after getting an assurance from Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh of considering their demands sympathetically.
These conductors had gone on hunger strike on April 1 after their services from HRTC were terminated. The protesting conductors had started chain hunger strike demanding policy for resumption of their services and alleged that their services were terminated despite they had under gone training for their job.
HRTC Divisional Manager Raghuvir Chauhdary on Monday offered juice to the striking conductors to make them end their strike.
Naresh Pathariya, President, Trained Unemployed Conductor Agitation Committee said that the committee decided to withdraw the chain hunger strike as the Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had assured them of considering their demands sympathetically and provide them regular employment.
He said that the pick and choose policy being carried out in HRTC was the main grievance of the protesting conductors. He said that agitating conductors had completed 75 days training period for the job by working on a menial remuneration, but now instead of getting employment they were shown doors by the management.
The committee had earlier boycotted the Himachal Day celebrations and the members lodged their protest by wearing black badges on the day. They have been demanding employment on commission basis for the contract period and a policy for regularisation of their services after completion of contract period.