Ludhiana, May 13 -- Punjab Roadways contract workers on Tuesday announced a series of protests and strike programmes across the state, escalating their agitation against the Punjab government over pending demands and alleged privatisation of the transport sector.

Members of the Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers Union (25/11) made the announcement during a meeting held at the Ludhiana Bus Stand under the leadership of union president Jatinder Singh Soni.

Union leaders accused the government of failing to honour promises made during elections, including regularisation of contractual employees, abolition of the contractor system, halting privatisation and introducing new buses to strengthen the state-run fleet.

They allege...