Even as the AP and TS Governments were engaged in discussions with the striking RTC employees in their respective states, the High Court once again on Wednesday became furious over the adamant attitude of the crew in not calling off their agitation and issued contempt notices to them.
The RTC employees strike has entered the eighth day today dislocating the public transport services in both the states causing untold hardships to the commuters, especially students appearing for EAMCET as well as service exams. The strike by the RTC crew was in pursuance of their demand for 43 percent fitment in their salaries on par with the government employees.
The vacation bench of the High Court while dealing with the petitions on Tuesday has taken to task the striking employees for not heeding to its advice to call off the strike keeping in view the interests of the people. It once again directed the employees to call off the strike by 10.30 am Wednesday. When there was no response from the striking staff, the High Court became serious and issued notices to them as why action should not be taken for contempt of court.
Rejecting the plea of the RTC employees to give them one hour time to convey their decision since talks were going on with the government and the management, the High Court gave full freedom to the RTC management to make alternate arrangements to ensure that the buses are back on the roads. It also directed the managements to initiate disciplinary action against the employees, if necessary by invoking ESMA. If the striking employees create any obstruction to the running of buses, then criminal proceedings should also be initiated, the court directed.
Meanwhile the ministerial sub-committee of AP government was holding discussions with the striking employees and so also the committee of the TS government too was engaged in discussions. As a matter of fact Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is slated to hold talks with the striking employees in the afternoon after receiving a report from the cabinet sub-committee. (NSS)
