Will Telangana RTC Employees Strike From Tomorrow? Management Warns of Consequences
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Synopsis
As Telangana RTC employees prepare for an indefinite strike, the management warns of dire consequences for those disrupting operations. With over 60 lakh passengers affected, tensions rise as unions advocate for overdue demands. Will the strike proceed, or can a resolution be reached?
Key Takeaways
- Indefinite strike by TGSRTC employees begins Wednesday.
- Management warns of legal action against threats.
- Over 60 lakh passengers may be affected.
- Unions demand merger with state government.
- Strikes prohibited under Essential Services Maintenance Act.
Hyderabad, May 6 (NationPress) - The employees' unions of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) are gearing up to initiate an indefinite strike starting Wednesday to advocate for their demands. The management has issued a warning that they will take action against anyone who threatens staff or disrupts their responsibilities.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of TGSRTC employees is resolute in their decision to commence the strike at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, which could potentially lead to over 6,000 buses being taken off the roads, impacting more than 60 lakh passengers statewide.
The JAC anticipates full participation from all 41,000 employees as they push for demands that include the long-awaited merger of the RTC with the state government, Pay Revision Commissions (PRC), settlement of outstanding dues to the Credit Cooperative Society (CCS) and employees' provident fund, along with wage revisions and pending allowances.
In an open letter to employees, the TGSRTC management emphasized that strikes are prohibited under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).
They cautioned that legal measures would be enacted against anyone threatening employees or hindering their work under the guise of the strike.
The management urged employees not to proceed with the strike, asserting that it would lead to irreparable harm to the organization and its workers during a crucial recovery phase.
The RTC management reassured that they prioritize the welfare of employees who are essential to the organization’s progress. They pointed out that every rupee received is directed towards employee welfare.
Despite ongoing financial challenges, the management noted that they released the 2017 PRC with a fitment of 21 percent in May 2024, after being pending for several years. Additionally, they have been releasing the 10 pending DAs in phases since 2019.
The TGSRTC has also disbursed Rs 280 crore related to RPS-2013 bonds. For the past three and a half years, salaries have been consistently paid on the 1st of each month, and the management is steadily working to decrease arrears by regularly settling the PF and CCS recovery amounts.
They conveyed to the unions that a strike is not a viable solution to these issues, referencing the severe crisis the organization faced following the 2019 strike. They warned that a similar situation could jeopardize the organization's survival.
In the meantime, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar reiterated his appeal to employees urging them not to strike, as it would cause substantial inconvenience to the public.
He assured union leaders that he would present their issues to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
The JAC leaders are also scheduled to meet with the Minister later today to discuss their concerns.
Point of View
The ongoing situation with the Telangana RTC highlights the delicate balance between employee rights and operational continuity. While the demands of the employees are significant, striking during a recovery phase poses risks to both workers and the organization. A balanced dialogue is essential to navigate these challenges.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the TGSRTC employees?
The main demands include the merger of RTC with the state government, implementation of Pay Revision Commissions (PRC), payment of pending dues to the Credit Cooperative Society (CCS) and employees' provident fund, along with wage revisions and pending allowances.
What actions has the management threatened against striking employees?
The management has warned that legal action will be taken against those who threaten employees or obstruct their duties in relation to the strike.
How many passengers could be affected by the strike?
Over 60 lakh passengers are expected to be impacted if the strike goes ahead as planned.
What is the management's stance on the strike?
The management has expressed that strikes are prohibited under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and urged employees not to strike, warning it could lead to irreparable damage to the organization.
What has the Transport Minister said about the strike?
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has appealed to employees not to strike, emphasizing the inconvenience it would cause to the public.
