High Court impact: Talks with Telangana RTC unions in sight

Hyderabad: After delaying the issue of talks until the receipt of court copy order, the TRS government seems to be getting into ‘discussions’ mode over the ongoing RTC strike. According to sources, the state government may invite for talks on pending demands of RTC employees barring the merger factor. Executive Director (ED) level officials at TSRTC may begin negotiations with RTC unions. The RTC strike entered its 18th day on October 22, 2019.

The Telangana government received the court copy order from the High Court. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao reviewed the current situation over the burning issue in the wake of HC asking the state government to hold talks with RTC unions.

Transport Minister P Ajay Kumar, Chief Advisor Rajiv Sharma, Planning Board vice-president Vinod Kumar, advisor Anurag Sharma, senior official Somesh Kumar, additional advocate general Ramachandra Rao and RTC senior officials took part in the review meeting with the CM.

The officials briefed the CM about the situation and the possible measures that could be taken. In the wake of HC urging to hold talks with RTC unions, the Chief Minister is keen on how the state government can move forward now.

Rachakonda Commissioner of Police (CP) has warned RTC employees of stringent legal action if they engaged in stopping busses. “RTC employees, as part of their ongoing strike, are preventing buses coming out of bus depots. Moreover, they’re assaulting temporary drivers and conductors. This is a violation of the law. We have arrested some people for assaulting temporary staff and damaging RTC buses. We booked criminal cases against them,” said Rachakonda CP.

#Hyderabad: After delaying the issue of talks until the receipt of court copy order, the TRS government seems to be getting into ‘discussions’ mode over the ongoing #RTCstrike.https://t.co/XXVJXhtn7A

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The Police department submitted a report of such incidents to the TSRTC management. “The police department warns all agitators not to involve in any illegal activity. RTC employees can continue their agitation only peacefully and democratically. Any deviation will lead to initiating stringent legal action against them,” the CP further added.