Telangana Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employees are gearing up for a statewide strike from April 22, demanding the resolution of various issues.
With all depots being mobilised for the strike, pressure is mounting on the state government. Their demands range from the merger of the RTC with the state government to the implementation of the PRC (Pay Revision Commission). Leaders of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of trade unions have issued a call for a strike commencing at midnight tonight.
With all major unions—including the TJMUC—extending their support, there is a looming threat that the public transportation system could come to a complete standstill.
‘Going on strike under unavoidable circumstances’
Speaking to Tv9 Telugu, Eeduru Venkanna, Chairman of the RTC JAC confirmed that they will go on a strike from April 22.
“All unions have extended their support. To date, neither RTC officials nor the government have invited us for talks. They have not even taken any measures to avert the strike. We are resorting to this strike under unavoidable circumstances.”
He accused the state government of hatching a conspiracy to cripple the RTC. “It is conspiring to hand over the RTC to private entities. The government is attempting to intimidate and terrorize the workers. Let no one be afraid; the workers are fully prepared to go on strike. Our legitimate demands must be resolved,” he said.
“The government must intervene in the strike, even if belatedly. The process of merging the RTC with the government has not yet commenced. The merger committee was constituted solely to stall for time. While they are looking to nationalize the loss-making metro, the government is completely neglecting the RTC,” he further stated.
Meanwhile, RTC MD Nagireddy met Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar at the Ministers’ Quarters to discuss the impending RTC strike.