KTC workers continue their steadfast protest at Azad Maidan in Panaji, marking the 24th consecutive day of demonstrations, demanding the fulfilment of their pending needs.
The protestors met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday and submitted a memorandum outlining their grievances and called for action. They have warned that if their demands are not addressed by March 6, the protest will continue.
Expressing their main demands, the memorandum stressed on the urgent need to increase their monthly payment to a minimum of ₹30,000, along with the formal signing of the 7th Pay Commission agreement with the union. "There should be an agreement signed with the Union," emphasised one protesting KTCL worker. "So we have told the Chief Minister that he should convene a meeting with the Labour Commissioner, the management of the Kadamba, and the Union committee members and ensure that the agreement is signed before the Labour Commissioner so that there is an implementation."
Furthermore, the demonstrators highlighted the necessity for the ratified implementation of the 7th pay agreement, stressing that while the pay adjustments have been enforced, they await official certification. They also advocated for a raise in the monthly wages of Kadamba bus drivers and conductors with over two years of service, from ₹18,000 to ₹30,000.
Opposition to third-party operators managing electric buses emerged as another dispute. Protesters insisted on the Kadamba corporation taking charge of operating these vehicles. The potential scrapping of around 200 buses out of a total fleet of 400 has raised concerns among the employees about the adverse impact on transportation services, particularly affecting students and residents in remote areas. "The contract was given to outsiders. So, that should be stopped and the Kadamba should be implemented so that the Kadamba survives and Kadamba's workers survive,” asserted a protesting KTCL worker.
Additionally, the protestors demanded the restoration of the provident fund rate, which was reduced without prior consultation with the workers.
With March 6 set as the deadline for action, the protesting workers have urged the Chief Minister to sign an agreement. They have indicated that should the agreement be signed by the said date, the strike will be called off.
"The agreement should encompass the implementation of the 7th pay, clearance of arrears for workers, resolution of daily wage workers' concerns, addressing issues faced by bus drivers, and restoring the provident fund. Additionally, the procurement of new buses should be included. This is the assurance given to us by the Chief Minister. He has pledged to convene the relevant staff to handle these matters and sign the agreement," stated the workers.
