Jaipur: The strike by drivers of low-floor buses ended Wednesday noon, with the maximum number of buses back on the roads, providing relief to commuters in the city. The strike was called off after a written agreement was reached between representatives of the driver union and the Paras Travel Company, which holds the contract for operating low-floor buses from the Bagrana depot of JCTSL. Bagrana depot operates almost 100 buses out of approximately 200 buses operated by JCTSL. The drivers and the company agreed upon five key demands. These include the company providing financial assistance of Rs 1,00,000 to a deceased driver, Kuldeep Meena, and initiating correspondence with the relevant department to obtain PF and ESI benefits. The company agreed to provide treatment for ailing driver Ramjilal Sharma at an ESI hospital and provide Rs 1 lakh as compensation. Additionally, a Rs 1,000 increase in drivers’ current salary will be implemented starting next month, with a provision that a Rs 1,000 increase in salary will be mandatory every year. The demands also included implementing group accident insurance for all drivers from December 1, providing protection to their families in the event of an accident. The company and drivers also agreed to take disciplinary action in a fair manner, where discussions with union representatives will be conducted to review the situation before taking any action. The protesting drivers accused the firm of repeatedly violating labour laws and forcing them to run poorly maintained buses, increasing risk of accidents. President of JCTSL Contract Employees Union, Hariom Sharma, and general secretary, Shishupal Jat, signed the agreement, along with other office bearers. Agreement was reached on all of our demands by noon,” said Sharma.
