Kerala HC stays Oct 2 strike plan by KSRTC unions

Kochi: The High Court on Wednesday stayed the indefinite strike planned by the trade unions of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation from October 2 demanding the reinstatement of casual staff who were relived from duty. A division bench headed by the chief justice passed an an interim order on a petition filed by KSRTC managing director Tomin Thachankary.

Stating that public transport utility is an essential service, the court pointed out that the decision to launch the strike should not have been taken without exploring the options for a settlement. The unions have not given sufficient time for reconciliation. The court said the present order was interim and that the final order will be given after further hearing.      

The unions also wanted an end to what they termed as unscientific duty reforms and wage revision and opposed the cancellation of services and leasing of vehicles.   

The union leaders stated that they would go ahead with the agitation. Mr R. Sasidharan, leader of the INTUC-affiliated union, told this newspaper that there was no change in the decision on the strike. He said the joint forum of the unions will study the details of the court verdict.

The unions are mainly cut-up with Mr Tomin Thachankary as they allege that he is taking the corporation on a destructive path by his unilateral decisions.