PANJIM: KTC drivers and employees, under the banner of the All India Trade Union Congress, protested at Azad Maidan in Panjim, on Wednesday, to demand a substantial raise in their monthly salaries, which they wish to be pegged at a minimum of Rs 30,000. They are also demanding the immediate ratification of the Seventh Pay Commission agreement in collaboration with the union.
The protestors demanded formalizing the Seventh Pay agreement, since it was implemented without official endorsement. They called for a substantial hike in the monthly wages of KTC drivers and conductors with over two years of service, advocating for an increase from Rs 18,000 to Rs 30,000.
They also opposed the involvement of third-party operators in the management of electric buses, with a strong plea for the KTC to assume control over the operation of these vehicles. The protesters, cognizant of reports indicating the imminent scrapping of approximately 150 to 200 buses, from a total fleet of 400, expressed apprehensions about the adverse repercussions on transportation services, particularly affecting students and residents of remote areas, who heavily rely on KTC buses.
Moreover, the demonstrators vehemently demanded the restoration of the provident fund rate, which had been arbitrarily reduced by the KTC from 12% without prior consultation with the workforce. Their protest, they declared, would continue until the government heeds their demands, with assurances that all bus routes will remain operational throughout the protest period. Those not on duty vowed to continue their protest until the government fulfills its commitments.
