Auto Unions Call Indefinite Strike From Aug 23
The JAC demanded the immediate establishment of a welfare board for autorickshaw and private transport workers and disbursement of the announced annual financial assistance of Rs 12,000 to the drivers, including arrears.
Hyderabad:The autorickshaw driver unions joint action committee announced an indefinite strike across Telangana from midnight on August 23 to press for its demand that the state government fulfil its promises to autorickshaw drivers and private transport workers. The Bharatiya Private Transport Mazdoor Mahasangh (BPTMM) extended its support to the strike.
Addressing the media, a JAC member said, “The government’s policies have pushed autorickshaw drivers into severe financial distress. Around 200 drivers have died by suicide in the state over the past three years.” Auto JAC leader Arla Sathireddy warned that the state government would have to face serious consequences over the increasing number of suicides. He appealed to all political parties to extend their support to the strike.
BPTMM national general secretary Ravishankar Alluri said the indefinite strike would continue until the government addressed the demands. He said the BPTMM would extend its complete support to the movement undertaken by the JAC.
The JAC demanded the immediate establishment of a welfare board for autorickshaw and private transport workers and disbursement of the announced annual financial assistance of Rs 12,000 to the drivers, including arrears. It also sought continuation and effective implementation of the Rs 5 lakh accident insurance scheme announced for autorickshaw drivers by the previous government.
The JAC demanded a ban on app-based bike services that it termed illegal and sought action against the companies involved. It also demanded that the government launch an official app. The unions further sought revision of auto and cab meter rates in line with increases in the prices of essential commodities and fuel, and a minimum income for workers.
