Telangana RTC employees had clarified once again that the salaries should be hiked by 43% as they did for government employees. There is no question of compromising in this issue, the strike would continue till the official declaration of salary hike, they confirmed.

It is known from the past 6 days, RTC strike is going on in the Telugu states. In the beginning, RTC officials declared 27% hike and that too for AP employees, but the situation turned much more violent     after that decision.

On Sunday, regarding the strike, Telangana ministers Naayini Narasimha Reddy, Eetela Rajendar and  Patnam Mahendar Reddy assembled in a meeting with employee union leaders,  E.Ashwatthama Reddy, Thomas Reddy, Komirelly Raji Reddy and few other leaders.

When RTC is a part of government, what is the problem ?

The union leaders clearly specified that 43% hike is a compulsory step to be taken by government. In the past, it was many times specified that RTC is a part of a government, then why the government is struggling so much to announce hike, they questioned.

Responding to the demand, ministers Eetela and Naayini said that KCR is not against RTC, but it should be remembered that RTC is a corporation. If government accepts your demand, then other corporations would start strike again for the hike. So it would be good if you decrease the percentage of hike from 43%. But the employees clarified that though if 43% hike is announced, it would still not equal to the government employees salaries. The total salary would still be Rs.4200 less than the government employees.

Unions demanded 250 crores every year

They further reminded that according to IIM, government should take care of RTC and so demanded 500 crores to the department immediately and 250 crores every year. Ministers finally assured that all their demands would be taken to CM and a  fresh meeting would again be arranged.

Public meeting on Monday

On Monday, RTC employees called for an open public meeting in Hyderabad. The various issues and some complicated decisions are expected to be taken in this meeting

by Phani