Bengaluru: Transport staff yet to get arrears

Bengaluru: Though the state government had announced a hike in salaries for BMTC and KSRTC staff more than a year ago, the employees are yet to be paid many of their dues.

“In January, 2016, they hiked our salaries by 12.5 per cent, but we are yet to get the arrears. They have not paid dearness allowance since July last year. Even bonus has not been given for the past three years. The BMTC authorities claim they do not have enough funds,” said Manjunath, Secretary, BMTC Workers Union.

The Joint Secretary of KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation, Nagaraj, told Deccan Chronicle, “Previously when we worked beyond eight hours, it was considered overtime and we used to get compensated. Now, we don't receive that amount.”

“If the situation continues, we will have to plan an agitation. Strike is the last option,” Nagaraj said.

Manjunath said Transport Minister R. Ramalinga Redday had assured to look into their grievances, after a workers' union meeting on March 8.

“We do not want to cause inconvenience to the public by going on strike. If our due salaries are not paid in another 15 days, we will have another Central Executive Committee meeting. Representatives of all the four transport corporations and 34 divisions will decide the next step,” Manjunath added.

A document addressed to BMTC Chairman Nagaraj Yadav in January had highlighted the issues affecting the workers.

They wanted old buses to be disposed of and BMTC employees should not be penalized if any of these vehicles suffers a breakdown. The union claims that a fine of Rs 3,000-5,000 is levied on employees, for no fault of theirs. They pointed out that vehicles that have run eight lakh kilometre are not disposed of, but reused in other towns in Karnataka.

BMTC Managing Director Ekroop Caur told Deccan Chroncle, “'80 crore has been allotted by the State for raising a loan to acquire 1,500 buses. This amount is spread out for over eight years. This is just for buses and the BMTC revenue will have to be used to pay workers.”

“The wages were revised in January 2016 and is yet to be implemented. Things like arrears take time. Bonuses cannot be implemented because the matter is in Court and hence it is sub-judice. The board will have to look into all such wage issues," Caur added.

She pointed out that the BMTC has sought State Government’s help to pay worker's dues. The Government is yet to reach a decision, she added.