RTC Calls Off Strike After Ponam’s Promise

Hyderabad: TGSRTC employee unions called off their strike that was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, following the intervention of transport minister Ponam Prabhakar. Around 20 trade union members met the minister and put forth their demands. CPI MLA Sambasiva Rao, MLA Ram Mohan Reddy, and MLC Prof. M. Kodandaram participated in the mediation efforts.

Seven staff unions had formed a joint action committee (JAC) and submitted 23 demands. While the employees consider these demands legitimate, the government noted that the corporation was under financial stress but was paying Rs 300 crore towards the Mahalakshmi scheme, which provides free bus travel for women. The government argued that employees should consider the government’s financial constraints. However, union leaders urged the minister to allocate an additional Rs 100 crore, stating that it would resolve many outstanding issues.

During the meeting, the union leaders presented several key demands, including the absorption of TGSRTC into the state government. They also called for the restoration of trade unions, which had been disbanded by the previous BRS government and replaced with welfare boards. Employees working under the "breadwinner scheme" on a consolidated basis should be made permanent. Benefits for retired employees, which are currently on hold, should also be reinstated.

The unions said the corporation was hiring electric buses, despite a large subsidy being provided by the Centre for their purchase. They urged the government to buy these buses so that the financial incentives benefit the government rather than private parties.

"The minister was positive. He mentioned that the file regarding electric buses has already been sent to the Centre. Other issues will be addressed by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, and all concerns are expected to be resolved soon,” a JAC leader said.