Ponnam Asks RTC Unions To Drop Strike Call

Hyderabad: Transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Tuesday appealed to employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) to withdraw their decision to go on a strike from April 22 and resolve issues through dialogue.

Speaking to media persons, the minister said the government was open to discussions with employees on all issues except the merger of RTC with the state government and matters related to trade unions, which he said fall under its purview.

“Our doors remain open for RTC employees to voice their grievances. Anyone is welcome to come and present their issues. A committee is already working on the RTC merger issue,” the minister said.

The minister said a 2.1 per cent dearness allowance had recently been implemented and there were no pending DA arrears. He added that the government was examining the issue of a Pay Revision Commission for RTC employees.

Referring to the merger issue, he said a committee had been constituted by the previous government on September 9, 2023, shortly before the announcement of the election schedule, and a detailed study was required, considering organisational, employee-related aspects and the state’s financial position.

Prabhakar said the government was prioritising the sustainability of RTC, employee welfare and passenger convenience. He cautioned that a strike at this stage could affect both the organisation and the public, particularly when it was recovering.