RTC employees warn of agitation against privatisation move

Vijayawada: The employees’ union of the RTC has warned the state govt against alleged moves to privatise APSRTC in the name of introducing electric buses, stating that employees would launch united protest programmes across the state if the plans are not withdrawn.As part of the agitation schedule, RTC employees across the state will wear red badges and organise gate meetings and dharnas at all depots and units on May 16 and 17. On May 18, memorandums highlighting the employees’ demands will be submitted during the Spandana grievance programme at district collectors’ offices.The RTC union decided this effect at the union’s state committee meeting held under the leadership of EU president P Damodar Rao in Vijayawada on Thursday.Addressing the media through a press statement issued on Friday, the union leaders alleged that the government was planning to hand over electric buses entirely to private operators and gradually reduce RTC staff strength and depots, leading to the privatisation of the corporation.The union also expressed concern over disciplinary actions being imposed on employees despite their efforts in successfully implementing the Stree Shakti scheme. It demanded that the government immediately stop punitive measures against staff.Among the major demands raised by the union are procurement of 3,000 new buses, recruitment of 10,000 employees to fill vacancies in various categories, implementation of Job Security Circular No.01/2019, and payment of salaries to Grade-2 mechanics under the Leading Hand scale by rectifying anomalies in AAS increments.The union further sought strict action, including non-bailable cases, against those attacking RTC employees while on duty and the replacement of outdated TIMS machines. It also demanded the release of pending DA and PRC arrears, announcement of Interim Relief (IR), and constitution of the 12th Pay Revision Commission.