RTC Union Seeks Action Against Officials Violating Job Security Norms
Employees oppose private operation of e-buses, demand depot reopening and action over job security violations
Vijayawada: The APPTD (RTC) Employees Union has demanded action against officials allegedly violating Job Security Circular 01/2019, recruitment to 15,000 vacant posts and procurement of 4,000 new buses.
Union state president Palisetti Damodara Rao and general secretary G.V. Narasaiah said officials were denying justice to employees despite a written assurance from the vice-chairman and managing director to implement the circular. Addressing the NTR district council meeting in Vijayawada on Friday, they sought a review of punishments imposed in violation of the norms.
The union leaders opposed the introduction of 1,450 electric buses through private operators and insisted that the RTC purchase and operate them using its own staff. They also demanded the immediate reopening of the Vidyadharapuram, Guntur-2, Nellore-2 and Mangalam depots, recalling management's assurance to reopen them within six months.
Citing increased passenger traffic under the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme, they sought the procurement of 4,000 buses and the filling of vacant posts. They also demanded that eligible employees be given additional charge of vacant promotional posts despite the freeze on promotions.
Union additional general secretary M.D. Prasad sought stringent action, including the registration of non-bailable cases, against those who attack employees on duty.
APJAC Amaravati district chairman Battina Ramakrishna welcomed the release of two dearness allowance instalments following the employees' agitation but called for an early decision on interim relief.
