Passengers who depend on KSRTC services were badly hit on Friday, with bus crew and administrative and workshop workers attached to various unions off work, mainly demanding a pay hike.
A senior official said that no bus was operated on that day in Ernakulam district as the employees were upset that their salaries were not revised during the last 10 years.
Transport Democratic Federation (INTUC) state secretary Aliyar MI said that employees belonging to INTUC and AITUC unions will remain away from work on Saturday as well and will register their protest against the delay in wage revision. “The trade union leaders had met Transport Minister Antony Raju on October 20 and given a strike notice. We planned to go ahead with the strike as there was no positive response from the government.
Trade unions have also opposed the formation of K-Swift, which was floated earlier this year, as it would prelude the privatization of KSRTC. “Rather, the management should reach out to passengers, investigate the reasons for low protection on loss-making routes and rationalize bus fleet operations. If our demands are not met, we may go on an indefinite strike.
Railway sources said that most of the trains recorded more movement of people on Friday as compared to normal days, especially since the long distance buses of KSRTC remained off the road. He said that the crew and trains have been kept ready in case of sudden surge in demand.
‘Increase bus fare’
Meanwhile, private bus operators, which have three times the number of buses operated by KSRTC, have decided to go on their indefinite strike from November 9, demanding that the state government charge at least ₹12 and Rs. Increase. ₹1 for every additional kilometer given that the price of diesel has increased from ₹64 to ₹90 over a period of 18 months.
Other demands include fixing the minimum travel fare for students from the current ₹1 to ₹6 and half of the regular fare for distance travel.
T. Gopinathan said, “The Confederation of 13 Bus Operators Organizations decided to go on an indefinite strike as the state government has turned a blind eye to the steep increase in operating costs due to the increase in fuel prices during the last 18 months. ” General Secretary, All Kerala Private Bus Operators Organisation.
“Transport Minister Antony Raju had promised steps to see us out of the red when the bus operators met him in July, when diesel was priced at Rs 82 a litre. Even after the week’s drop in fuel prices, its price has only fallen to the rate that was in vogue in October. The tariff for all services, including BOND services of KSRTC, is higher as compared to regular services on various routes,” he said.
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