Hyderabad: The TSRTC Joint Action Committee on Friday made it clear that they would go on strike from the midnight of October 5. However, the RTC management decided to operate about 10,000 buses by hiring temporary services.
JAC leaders Aswathama Reddy, Raji Reddy and VS Rao and O. Sudha told the media that they have demanded that the State government merge the TSRTC into the government. They also demanded that the State government implement pay revision for the corporation employees with effect from April 4, 2017. They also demanded that the State government fill the vacant posts of all categories of RTC employees. They also demanded that the State government plug the losses being incurred by the corporation by initiating adequate measures. The JAC leaders have also demanded that the State governmental hand over the responsibility of electric buses to the corporation instead of private bus operators.
The JAC leaders who stuck to their guns said the government gives a written assurance to resolve their demands with a specific timeframe and walked out during the talks. JAC convener E Ashwathama Reddy said with no commitment from the State government, they were left with no option but to observe strike. Barring security and paramedical staff, all the TSRTC workers and employees will go on the strike from Friday midnight.
A three-member IAS officers committee comprising Special Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, Principal Secretary for Transport Sunil Sharma and Principal Secretary for Finance K Ramakrishna Rao said the State government was well-prepared to address any eventualities in the wake of RTC staff strike. The State government expedited measures to avoid any inconvenience to the people traveling in RTC buses during the festive season. The RTC officials are planning to operate some 10,000 buses, including 2,100 hired ones besides school and private buses. Staff was also being hired on a temporary basis with daily payments. Private vehicle operators, including buses, autorickshaws, and cabs have been warned against collecting additional charges from passengers by taking advantage of the strike period.
Somesh Kumar said the committee held discussions with all stakeholders and will submit its comprehensive report to the State government shortly. He requested the JAC leaders to withdraw their strike call and attend to their duties. He also said the committee was not authorized to give any written commitment as its role was restricted to examine all aspects and submit a report with recommendations to find a permanent solution to RTC problems.
NSS