Thiruvananthapuram: Ahead of the indefinite strike that was announced from July 22 by the private bus owners across Kerala, July 8 will witness a one-strike that could disrupt normal life.
As the talks with the transport commissioner failed to address their concerns, private bus operators declared that they will observe a token strike across Kerala on July 8.
“We have currently no other option but to continue with the strike as our core and critical issues regarding increase in concession fee is not even considered by the government. Many of us are running under losses and if this continue will have to stop the business and that will affect the public at large”, said Xavier Thomas, a bus owner from Kottayam.
The strike on July 8 is expected to disrupt normal life as private buses are the only mode of transportation in many remote areas of the state.
The bus operators announced that they would go on an indefinite strike from July 22 if the government refuses to meet their demands, including an increase in the students’ concession rate.
The key demands of the bus operators is to include a revision of student concession rates, renewal of expired permits without delay, and withdrawal of the directive converting limited-stop buses into ordinary services.
The bus operators also called for immediate government action to repair damaged roads. Additionally, they urged authorities to stop the strict enforcement of penalty norms.
Meanwhile, the KSRTC management is holding discussion at the top level to operate extra services in the routes where the private buses will not be operating on July 8.