Tags:
Journalism of Courage
PUNE, Jan 5: The Maharashtra State Transport Kamgar Sanghatana has threatened to launch an indefinite agitation from the month-end to express its resentment over government apathy for not signing any wage accord with the workers since the year 1996. A decision on the impending agitation, however, will be taken on January 17 when the executive meeting will be held to thrash out the various issues affecting the workers.
Speaking to mediapersons here today, general secretary of the sanghatana, Hanumant Tate, revealed that no wage agreement had been signed for the last 33 months. More than 70,000 workers have been deprived of a hike in their wages and morever, they have also not been given the increase in dearness allowance (DA). The corporation has been sustaining massive losses, thanks to the illegal traffic which is presently reigning supreme on the roads.
According to Tate, although a fleet of 3000 vehicles has been sanctioned, a mere 470 vehicles have been purchased by the corporation. To add to their woes, the staff presently has a shortage of around 5000 drivers, 2500 conductors and 4000 mechanics. There has been a steady decline in the performance of the ST in the period between 1991 to 1998 and the corporation has not been able to sustain a growth rate of 6 per cent.
The ST has sustained losses of around Rs. 169 crore for the period 1997-98 and this has further increased to Rs. 212 crore until March 1999, he pointed out. The workers are seeking permission for raising share capital and also a review on the passenger tax. A gate meeting was later organised outside their office this afternoon to discuss the issue with the workers.
