Auto unions threaten indefinite strike

Autorickshaw unions in the city are all set to relaunch their agitation demanding clarity on the status of the public service provider and seeking formation of a welfare board.

Several rickshaw unions in the city including Rickshaw Panchayat headed by social activist Baba Adhav, are now threatening to go on an indefinite strike if their demands are not met immediately.

"We have been promised in the past that our demands will be met. However, nothing has happened so far," said Razzaq Sayyed of Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat. A state-level meeting of the panchayat will be held on Monday to decide the future strategy of the stir. "We are planning to go on an indefinite strike from next month if our demands are not met," added Sayyed.

Ramesh Unecha of PCMC Rickshaw Panchayat alleged that despite repeated promises the government has cheated rickshaw drivers. "Rickshaw drivers have to pay Rs 1,700 every year as accident insurance to a private company. Such schemes are of no use to us and we will be happy to pay the money to the directorate of insurance and avail services from them. The government should also set up a welfare board for drivers so that they can avail facilities like provident fund and pension," said Unecha.

"Once we get the public servant status as is the case in Bangalore, we will be able to get pension and other benefits," he added.

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