HRTC pensioners back employees, condemn action against union
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, June 21
HRTC Pensioners Joint Struggle unit on Sunday strongly criticized the State government and Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) management for allegedly initiating punitive action against office-bearers of employee organizations who have been raising issues related to pending demands and liabilities of corporation employees and pensioners.
Addressing the media, Committee Secretary Rajinder Thakur said that instead of inviting the employees to talks or finds any solution to their long-pending demands, state and corporation management were resorting to actions against those leading the struggle.
He urged the government to initiate dialogue with employee representatives and take a concrete decision regarding the timely payment of outstanding dues.
The committee expressed concern over the delay in payment of various financial benefits, including overtime and night-duty allowances, salary and pension arrears, leave encashment and gratuity, amounting to hundreds of crores of rupees. It alleged that despite repeated demands, no clear roadmap had been provided for clearing these liabilities.
K.C. Chauhan, President of the Himachal Pradesh Pensioners Welfare Organization, and Dev Raj Sarkar, another pensioners’ leader, said that raising public issues in an organized and democratic manner is a fundamental right. They termed any punitive action against employee representatives without meaningful negotiations as unfortunate and condemnable. The leaders urged the government to adopt a conciliatory approach and resolve the issues through discussions.
Brij Lal Thakur, President of the Himachal Transport Retired Employees Welfare Association, said that employees and pensioners have been waiting for years for the release of their legitimate dues. Instead of focusing on clearing pending liabilities, he alleged, the authorities were attempting to suppress voices demanding justice.
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The pensioners’ body extended its full support to HRTC employees in their ongoing struggle and appealed to the State government to immediately convene talks with employee organizations. The committee demanded a time-bound plan for clearing pending financial liabilities and ensuring regular payment of salaries, pensions and retirement benefits.
The pensioners warned that continued neglect of their demands could intensify resentment among retired and serving employees of the corporation, who have already been facing prolonged financial hardship due to delays in payments.
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