Transport strike to continue as talks with government fail

Bengaluru: The workers of the State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) will continue their strike on the fourth day on Monday as talks with the State government reached a deadlock on Sunday.

The negotiations between the employees and the government failed as the latter was reluctant to fulfill their main demand that they be brought under the State government payroll.

Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi in the evening said that the government would not accede to the demand of workers given the financial constraints. However, he gave the impression that the government and the workers reached an amicable agreement.

He said the option of deploying private bus operators was being examined to minimise the hardship faced by commuters till the issue was resolved.

"...Certain things are difficult. We have to do things within our financial limitations. Already the government has been hit because of COVID-19 and there are financial constraints. We are thinking about giving them (employees) what can be given legitimately," Savadi, who is also the Transport Minister, said.

Speaking to reporters ahead of meeting workers' representatives here, he said some legitimate demands can be fulfilled as he expressed hope that the stalemate would be resolved and buses will start operating soon. "Their demand of being considered as government employees is not possible as it is difficult. There are several other corporations in the State with similar demands and if we do it now, it will open a Pandora's box as others are ready with a petition. Most part of the government's revenue will have to be spent on them if it happens," he added.

Asked why the government was not invoking Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against the workers, he said they are like family and the government did not want to use such harsh measures now.

"They are our staff, we want to convince them. ESMA is like Brahmastra, we don't want to use it immediately.. there is no question of it.. I have trust in our employees, it (strike) will end," he said.

With public transport services coming to a grinding halt across the State, lakhs of commuters, who depend on buses for their daily commute, have been hit.

However, the protesting group of employees at Freedom Park refused to budge on their main demand.

Mr Savadi agreed on extending Aarogya Sanjeevani insurance cover for all employees of the corporations and Rs 30 lakh compensation to the families of workers who died of COVID-19.

Two meetings were held on Sunday, however, either side refused to budge from their positions.

Other demands of the RTC employees are: Reduction in the training period of new employees from 2 to one year; implementation of HRMS (Human Resource Management System) in the corporations; appropriate allowances to workers when on duty; grievances redressal mechanism for employees; Salaries as per the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission.