The KTC Drivers & Allied Employees Association (AITUC), representing the workforce of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL), has issued a ‘Strike Notice’ effective from midnight on Friday, September 6, 2024. The strike has been called to protest against the Goa Government and KTCL management for failing to address long-standing demands.
Key among the demands is the payment of 34 months’ salary arrears arising from the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission and a wage settlement signed on March 11, 2024. Despite a binding agreement under the Industrial Disputes Act, the management has not yet disbursed these arrears.
The union is also pushing for the restoration of the 12% Provident Fund (PF) contribution, effective from December 2009, following assurances from the Chief Minister. In addition, the procurement of 300 new diesel buses is urgently requested to replace the 150 scrapped buses and to maintain KTCL’s social obligations to provide efficient and accessible public transportation across Goa.
Further demands include the immediate regularization of over 200 drivers and conductors who have completed three years of service, as previously agreed upon. The union also opposes the outsourcing of profitable inter-state routes, such as Goa-Mumbai and Goa-Shirdi, to third-party contractors and calls for KTCL to resume direct operations on these routes with new Volvo buses.
Lastly, the union vehemently opposes the ‘Majhi Bus Scheme,’ citing concerns that it benefits vested interests at the expense of KTCL and its employees. They demand that the scheme be scrapped immediately, as it is seen as detrimental to the corporation’s financial health.
The KTC Drivers & Allied Employees Association calls on the government and KTCL management to address these grievances and honor the binding settlement made in March 2024.
