RTC bans unionism during work
M. P. Dinesh who succeeded him as its managing director attempted to take the unions too into confidence while making crucial decisions.
Kochi: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has warned uni-ons, including the CITU-affiliated KSRTEA, not to hold its meetings and other activities during working hours lest face action.
“It has come to our notice that certain union representatives and me-mbers are holding union meetings in offices. The same amounts to violation of existing rules and norms. Such activities should not be repeated,” read a memorandum iss-ued by its executive dir-ector (administration).
The bickering between the management and the unions had reached its zenith during the tenure of former Tomin J. Thachankary who was finally shifted out of the post by the government.
M. P. Dinesh who succeeded him as its managing director attempted to take the unions too into confidence while making crucial decisions.
However, the recent decision to cut services and reduce crew, especially in the north zone, has not gone down well with them. While the AITUC charged that the cancellation of services, especially in rural areas, would affect the image of the government with elections around the corner, the KSRTC Emplo-yees Association deman-ded an immediate withdrawal of the orders.
Meanwhile, the management rejected reports of widespread cancellations. “There is no basis for such reports. The corporation operated 1,497,398 km by deploying 14, 887 crew on March 24, despite a fall in passenger traffic due to heat and exams. We’ve operated full services as per demand,” said Mr Dinesh.