Day of reckoning for RTC
CM deadline ends today; many staffers join duty but retract
Literally racing against time and driven to the wall, as only 24 hours remain for the deadline given by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to the striking TSRTC employees to resume duty, dilemma has turned into pressure for them.
Monday evening, around 20 employees from various depots across the state relented and submitted their applications to rejoin duties. Ironically, some of them withdrew their applications, almost pronto.
Most of the employees are caught between the government and the unions, both of whom are sticking to their guns. On the one hand, while the government is asking them to save their jobs, on the other hand, running parallel to the government diktat, unions are exhorting employees to continue the strike.
In fact, union leaders sought an oath from employees at Kacheguda bus depot that they would stay steadfast and not report for work, come what may. This, even as time is ticking for them when one considers the Chief Minister’s ultimatum.
Mr Haimad from Kamareddy depot, who has joined duty, put things in perspective when stating “in the absence of salaries for the past two months, we are in a severe financial crisis. I agree with some people who had stated that the strike should have been timed around impending elections. But now, I have my own reservations about whether the government would have a change of heart. Driven by economic compulsions, I have joined duty.”
Meanwhile, employees are being personally asked by TRS leaders to report for work. It is also said that some ministers are visiting houses of employees in Sircilla, Karimnagar and other constituencies with a similar request.
“Despite these attempts, most of our employees are working hard for the cause,” averred Mr M. Thomas Reddy, working president of Telangana Mazdoor Union.
One of the striking employees, on the condition of anonymity, said, “There are just 24 hours left, and we do not know, whether we will get another chance if we do not join now. On the other hand, we have pledged to continue the strike. The fact is we want this crisis to end soon, given the condition on the domestic front.”
Speaking to the media, Mr E. Ashwathama Reddy, TSRTC JAC convener, said, “In spite of the Chief Minister’s call, not many have joined duty. It would be the same even after the deadline ends. A majority of the employees would be on strike because they are not fighting for themselves but for the greater good.”
He reiterated that they would call off the strike only if they are called talks on their demands.