KSRTC labor unions call for statewide bundh on April 27

KSRTC labor unions call for statewide bundh on April 27

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Apr 25, 2012: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) employees, supported by 6 KSRTC labor unions, have called for a statewide strike on April 27 Friday. 

Praveen Kumar, the convener of the joint committee of KSRTC labor unions, told reporters at a press conference held on April 25 Wednesday that they have demanded an enquiry into the condition of KSRTC workers all over the state. The employees have been complaining of overwork, declining staff ratio, and rise in number of accidents. Mr. Kumar alleged that many KSRTC departments are steeped in corruption.

Further, he said that the number of KSRTC workers has declined owing to factors such as resignation, voluntary retirement, and increase in number of suicide cases among employees.

This has an adverse effect on the existing workforce, leading to increase in working hours and affecting their work performance. He said that KSRTC employees are being made to work as trainees for nearly 4 – 5 years on a small salary, owing to which the number of people opting to work for the KSRTC has decreased. 

Further, he said that employees paid to work for 8 hours are made to work for nearly 14 hours and that retired employees are not paid gratuity on time. Although the KSRTC has declared profits during the last fiscal year, it has not paid bonuses and ex gratia to employees, he alleged. 

Rakesh Malli, the district president of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC); B. Shekar, the joint secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC); and Ivan D’Souza, the secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, were also present.