TGSRTC braces up for strike from May 7; Transport Minister Ponnam assures to look into demands

Hyderabad: Ahead of the proposed strike, Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has assured the TGSRTC employees of addressing their concerns.

A delegation of TGSRTC Joint Action Committee (JAC) leaders met Ponnam Prabhakar on Monday and presented the problems being faced by the employees due to delay in the implementation of their 23 demands.

It may be recalled here that the TGSRTC JAC decided to go on an indefinite strike from May 7 in support of their 23 demands. Prabhakar on Sunday expressed readiness to hold talks with the TGSRTC union leaders.

Speaking on the occasion, Prabhakar emphasized the state government’s dedication to strengthening the RTC, ensuring employee welfare, and improving passenger services. Highlighting the corporation’s gradual recovery from financial losses, he urged JAC leaders to avoid strikes that could inconvenience the public.

The minister criticized previous BRS government for failing to procure new buses or create jobs, and misused employees’ funds. In contrast, he detailed the Congress-led government's efforts, including the clearance of Rs. 1,039 crore in pending PF dues, Rs. 345 crore in CCS arrears, payment of Rs. 400 crore in bonds, completion of 1,500 compassionate appointments, and approval for recruiting 3,038 new employees.

First strike in five years

It is the first time in five years that the RTC JAC have announced to go on strike. Initially, the JAC proposed to go on a statewide strike from February 9, however, it was postponed as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force in the wake of MLC elections.

Major demands of TGSRTC unions

On April 7, the JAC submitted a notice with 23 demands to the management, which include the merger of RTC employees with the government, implementation of two PRCs, payment of Rs 2,700 crore towards Credit Cooperative Society (CCS) and Provident Fund (PF) of the employees and others.

The JAC also expressed its outrage against the management for harassing employees by extending the 8-hour work schedule from 12 to 16 hours, violating the MTW Act. It also demanded that the 8-hour workday be continued while implementing the MTW Act.

Impact of TGSRTC strike

TGSRTC is bracing for a potential shutdown from May 6, as nearly 40,600 employees plan to abstain from duties if the strike called by the RTC Joint Action Committee (JAC) proceeds. With eight unions backing the protest in support of 23 demands, bus services may come to a standstill, with vehicles likely to remain parked in depots.

Despite the looming disruption, the unions have not backed down, even after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy recently appealed to the employees to call off the strike in the broader interest of the corporation, which is just beginning to recover and register profits.