HRTC employees call of strike state assures release pending dues
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
HRTC employees call of strike state assures release pending dues
Shimla, June 25,
The proposed indefinite strike by employees of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) was called off on Thursday after the state government assured time-bound release of their long-pending financial dues and agreed to suspend disciplinary proceedings initiated against protesting employees.
The breakthrough came after a meeting held at the State Secretariat on Wednesday between HRTC Employees’ Union President Man Singh Thakur, HRTC Managing Director R.D. Nazeem and senior government officials.
Following the meeting, the government assured the employees that funds for uniform allowance, medical reimbursement and overtime allowance would be released along with salary. It also assured that the required financial assistance would be provided to HRTC within the next few days to clear pending liabilities.
The employees had demanded an immediate financial package of around Rs. 100 crore to settle long-pending dues. During the talks, the government assured release of about Rs 48 crore in the first phase and said additional funds would be provided as required. The issue of regularisation and pay fixation of drivers and conductors will also be placed before the HRTC Board for an early decision.
The government further assured that all pending medical reimbursement claims of HRTC employees would be cleared in one instalment and additional funds would be made available in future if required.
Another major outcome of the talks was the suspension of disciplinary proceedings initiated against employees who had participated in the protest. Following the assurances, the employees agreed to resume duties and restore normal bus services across the state.
The strike had threatened to disrupt HRTC operations across Himachal Pradesh. Ahead of the proposed agitation, the state government had invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prohibit the strike and had announced contingency measures, including temporary engagement of private drivers on a daily remuneration of Rs 1,500 to maintain bus services. The move had drawn criticism from sections of private transport drivers, who opposed being used to replace striking HRTC employees.
The employees’ unions had been demanding release of arrears relating to overtime, night allowance, medical reimbursement and other retirement benefits, besides early settlement of service matters affecting drivers and conductors.
With both sides reaching a temporary understanding, normal HRTC bus services are expected to continue while the government begins releasing the promised funds.
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