Hyderabad: RTC workers divided on strike call off

Hyderabad: The TSRTC workers have decided to continue their strike until the Labour Court gives its mandate on the strike. The TSRTC workers' unions held separate meetings to take a call on the strike in the wake of the High Court's directions to the Labour Court to settle in the issue within two weeks.

The workers seemed to be a divided lot as some of them wanted to call off their strike given the circumstances that there were no salaries for the last three months and the problems would increase further if the strike is prolonged.

However, some of them wanted the strike to continue because the workers had not got any assurance from the government. The workers felt that there will be no job security if the workers call off the strike without getting any assurance from the government hence the option of going to Supreme Court can also be considered.

The workers are agitated that what would be their fate if the government does not take the employees even if they call off their strike. Some workers wanted the strike to continue at least till the Labour Court settles the issue.

According to sources, there was difference of opinion among the workers in the meeting of Employees Union. The workers wanted the leaders to take decision by taking up ballot. The workers also wanted the leaders to call off strike only after getting clear assurance from the government. Another section stressed on the need to continue the strike for another fortnight so that the Labour Court settles the issue.

The TSRTC workers have been on strike for the last 46 days but they came in defence after the High Court directions. The RTC JAC leaders would inform the opposition parties about their decision. RTC JAC convener E Ashwathama Reddy said that all the unions were united and wanted the strike to be continued.

Some of the unions are meeting again on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the State government also wants to adopt wait and watch approach. It is learnt that the government wanted to take back only those employees who give in writing that they will not be joining any union and will not take part in strike in future. If the workers do not give in writing the government is said to be prepared to wait till the outcome in Labour Court.