Hiring contractual staff led to 9,000 more bus trips; no option as workers stay adamant, say officials
The MSRTC strike has crossed over 100 days and of the 96,000 employees, 11,024 employees have been suspended
As the strike continues to affect operations and revenue, the MSRTC has decided to hire 1,200 more contractual staff to keep its fleet of buses running. MSRTC officials said that they are left with no option as the workers have remained adamant and have not resumed work. “The worst part is that no particular leader is directing the strike. This is leading to problems and the administration is left with a faceless agitation, with no one to negotiate with,” a senior official said.
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“We have hired contractual staff to maintain bus operations and keep the buses running. As of now, a handful of buses run across the state, which is leading to a severe loss of revenue and commuter inconvenience. The exam season is approaching and students in rural areas have been heavily dependent on state transport buses. Taxis and private operators have been overcharging commuters for the smallest of routes. With more staff behind the wheel, we can get more buses on the road. There have been complaints about contract staff, but we are continuously monitoring them,” he added.
As per the latest assessment, around 1,225 drivers hired on contract have led to around 9,000 more bus trips. The state government is also likely to submit its report on staff mergers with the government by February 18, Friday. The MSRTC strike has crossed over 100 days and of the 96,000 employees, 11,024 employees have been suspended and nearly 7,608 dismissed from service as of now.
MSRTC employees went on an indefinite strike from October-end over their demand for the merger of the cash-strapped corporation with the state government. The strike intensified after the Diwali festival concluded. Despite giving a salary raise and assurances, there has been a stalemate.
18 Feb
Day when the state government is likely to submit its report on staff mergers with the government
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