KTC workers, under the banner of KTC Drivers and Allied Employees Association, at a meeting on Thursday decided to support the nationwide strike terming the proposed bill draconian.
Addressing media persons, Association president Joaquim Fernandes said the bill, which opens the door to multinational companies, would largely affect those involved in the transport industry.
Pointing to the provisions of the bill, Fernandes said it would help private operators take over public undertakings dealing a severe blow to existing local public transport operators. “The bill will give rise to increase in corruption in transport industry, rather than improving safety standards on roads,” he said.
Private bus operators in the State have already announced their support to the strike, and will stay off the road on September 2. With KTC drivers joining the strike, public transport could be paralyzed in the State on that day.
The Association has also demanded that the government assure pension to the retired KTC workers in line with other government departments. Fernandes said that at present the pension amount ranging from Rs 340 to Rs 1,700 per month is being given to workers.
The Association also urged the government to end the contract system, regularise the workers and immediately take the provident fund from existing 10 percent to 12 percent along with bonus/ex-gratia payment to its employees for Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
