MSRTC workers' union threatens strike

MSRTC workers' union threatens strike
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

SOLAPUR, APRIL 8: The 65,000-strong Maharashtra State Transport Kamgar Sanghatana (MSTKS) has threatened to go on strike in the third week of May if the State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) did not pay its employees dues totalling Rs 270 crore.

Hanumant Tate, general secretary of MSTKS, the only recognised Union in MSRTC, announced this while speaking to reporters on Saturday on the eve of the Union's 36th annual two-day conference here. Tate said the MSRTC had invited his union to discuss the issue of the dues on April 25, but if no favourable decision was taken at the meeting, the union's executive body would meet on April 26 and April 27 to decide the date of the strike.

He called for 100 per cent government subsidy to MSRTC for its survival and an effective check on private transporters, allegedly operating illegally.

He also demanded that the 17.5 per cent tax paid by MSRTC to the State Government be reduced to 10 per cent.

The workers would highlight their problems through a programme called Sangharsh 2000, which would be adopted at the conference, Tate said.