Angry over reduced bonuses ahead of the festive season, employees on Saturday night made the Agra–Lucknow Expressway toll plaza toll-free. Starting from midnight, they stopped collecting tolls in protest.
According to sources, a dispute had been ongoing between the toll-operating company, Shri Sai and Datar Company, and its employees over the bonus amount. The company had proposed a bonus of ₹1,100, which the workers rejected, saying it was far less than last year’s bonus and did not reflect their hard work.
Toll collection on the Agra–Lucknow Expressway resumed after ten hours following an agreement on a 10% salary hike.
Last year, workers employed by a different contractor were given a ₹5,000 bonus, leading to widespread dissatisfaction this
time over the reduced amount.
Upon receiving information about the protest, company officials and police reached the site and tried to pacify the employees. The company’s project manager, Krishna Jurail, said discussions with workers were underway and efforts were being made to restore normal operations.
However, as of 9 am on Sunday, toll collection had not resumed. The protesting employees said they would continue their strike until all their demands were met.
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