TGSRTC strike enters day two, commuters continue to face hardship

The TGSRTC strike entered its second day, disrupting bus services across Telangana. With unions intensifying protests and talks failing, commuters faced hardship, while the government warned employees against continuing the agitation amid ongoing negotiations

Hyderabad: The strike by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employees entered its second day on Thursday, continuing to leave bus services majorly disrupted at various locations across the State and causing severe inconvenience to daily commuters.

On Wednesday, buses remained confined to depots at several places, forcing passengers to struggle for transportation. Taking advantage of the situation, private vehicle operators reportedly charged higher fares, adding to the woes of the commuters.

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On the other hand, as uncertainty looms over whether services will resume, the TGSRTC Joint Action Committee (JAC) has intensified its agitation. JAC Chairman E Venkanna called upon workers to assemble at all bus depots and workshops at 5 am on Thursday and participate in a ‘Maha Dharna’. He made it clear that the strike would continue until their demands were addressed.

The union leaders stated that talks with the government appointed special committee failed to yield results. They said prolonged discussions over 32 demands did not lead to any concrete outcome, particularly on key issues. The workers are insisting on implementing the 2021 pay revision without reducing the proposed 30 per cent fitment. They have also raised objections over electric buses operating in Greater Hyderabad and demanded the withdrawal of recent employee transfers to other zones.

Meanwhile, heavy police deployment was seen at several bus depots as a precautionary measure on day one. With limited buses available, passengers continued to face difficulties. In some areas, RTC authorities attempted to operate services using private drivers.

On the other hand, TGSRTC Managing Director Y Nagi Reddy appealed to employees not to be misled into continuing the strike. He urged them to avoid hasty decisions that could put their jobs at stake. The management, he said, has already responded positively to workers’ concerns and constituted a committee of IAS officers to address the issues.

He further noted that discussions are ongoing before the Labour Commissioner and warned that continuing the strike during this process is legally untenable and amounts to a violation of rules.
With both sides continuing to be firm, tense situation prevails and normal bus operations are yet to be restored.