RTC Unions Step Up Stir, Seek Support From Employees’ Bodies

VIJAYAWADA: The APPTD (APSRTC) Employees’ Unions Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Sunday sought the support of the AP JAC and APNGOs for its agitation demanding resolution of RTC employees’ grievances and an assurance against privatisation.

JAC leaders met AP JAC chairman and APNGOs state president A. Vidyasagar and general secretary A.V. Ramana at the APNGO Home and sought their support for the third phase of the agitation. They said RTC employees had been holding peaceful protests for two months without a response from the government.

Vidyasagar said RTC employees welcomed the introduction of electric buses but wanted them to be purchased and operated by the RTC. He also demanded that vacancies be filled through a recruitment notification and that the government give an assurance against privatisation of the RTC. He extended full support to the JAC’s agitation.

The RTC JAC also met AISF state president Gujjala Valaraju and AIYF state secretary Mojjada Yugandhar at Dasari Bhavan and sought support for its programmes.

As part of the agitation, the unions will hold two-day mass hunger strikes on August 17 and 18 at 129 RTC depots across 28 districts. Maha dharnas will be organised at District Public Transport Officer offices in all district headquarters on August 28.

AISF and AIYF extended support, citing inconvenience to students due to inadequate bus services following the introduction of Stree Shakti services. They demanded additional buses and filling of vacancies to provide employment opportunities to youth.

JAC leaders said they would meet other RTC unions, trade unions and student organisations on Monday to mobilise further support.