In a bid to end strike, MSRTC transfers staff

MSRTC employees protest at Azad Maidan. Pic/Suresh Karkera

The MSRTC is trying to break the workers' agitation by reportedly trying to effect transfers of staff en masse in an attempt to end the stalemate.

The Aurangabad Division of the state transport body, on Saturday, issued transfer orders of 20 personnel from Gangapur, Cidco Bus Stand, Central Bus Stand, Vaijapur, Sillod, Paithan, Soyegaon and Kannad depots to other depots.

Sources said they have also been ordered to report on duty at the transferred place immediately. It is claimed that the transfers are made on administrative grounds. More such transfers are expected, but there was no immediate confirmation so far.

Employees, however, remained adamant. "Whatever tricks the government tries, we will not back out of the strike. All we want is a merger with the government and we will fight for it. The demands have been clearly delineated," said an employee.

Meanwhile, on Sunday till 8 pm, 1,673 bus services were operated.

The state government has tried a number of things to bring an end to this statement, from raising salaries to suspensions and dismissals and from threatening action under essentials act to, now, mass transfers.

MSRTC staff went on an indefinite strike from October 28 over their demand for merger of the cash-strapped corporation with the state government but intensified it after Diwali.