Metro Bus drivers end strike on assurances

Company agrees to demands of workers; passenger injured in scuffle

RAWALPINDI: Drivers of the Metro Bus Service on Wednesday suddenly went on a strike demanding medical allowance, two bonuses in a year and salaries before the fifth day of every month.

The Metro Bus operation remained suspended from 2pm to 4pm. However, the management of the company providing services of drivers to the facility was quick to resolve the issue.



Meanwhile, a passenger was injured when a security guard manhandled him as he tried to enter the closed Liaquat Metro Station. He was rushed to a hospital with a minor headinjury. SHO City Amir Saleem said the passenger, Atique, was injured when the security guard hit him on the head with a wooden club.

SHO Saleem said the victim and his family filed a written application of pardoning the guard and refused to file case against him. Nevertheless the security company terminated the services of the guard.



According to eyewitnesses, hundreds of commuters using Metro Bus were left stranded due to the strike. The drivers were seeking better package from the management of the company that hires them.

The Metro Bus Authority asked the company concerned to resolve the issue immediately. Following which, the representatives of the management and drivers signed an agreement and the strike ended. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2018.