Chandigarh, October 16: The employees of Haryana Roadways have gone on a two-day strike across the state, hitting the transport services. The employees have gone on a strike against the privatisation of Haryana's transport system. The roadways union has been maintaining that the decision of hiring private buses is "unwarranted" and not in "public or employees interests". HC Directs Hry Govt to Ensure Implementation of ESMA During Roadways Strike.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court had on Monday directed the Haryana government to ensure strict implementation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) during the two-day strike called by the state's Roadways Employees Union.

The private bus operators, in their plea, had argued that the roadways union leaders are liable to be punished for contempt of court, as they have been going on strike time and again despite the undertaking given before the high court earlier that they would not go on strike.

During the hearing of the case, the counsel for Haryana government informed the high court that ESMA has already been promulgated in the state and appropriate action would be taken against those resorting to strike.

In August too, the employees had gone on a day-long strike to protest the state government's decision to introduce 700 private buses in the state.

The union leaders have said that the government should instead increase the number of buses under the roadways department rather than promoting private players.

With inputs from PTI

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2018 11:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).