Panaji: The KTC Drivers and Allied Employees Association has served a notice on the management of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTC), announcing an indefinite strike from midnight on Nov 12 over unresolved grievances and long-pending demands.The proposed strike will involve all staff and workmen, including electric bus drivers and allied employees engaged in KTCL bus operations.Among the key demands are withdrawal of the new Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM) system, regularisation of daily-wage and temporary drivers and conductors who have completed five years of service, payment of pending Seventh Pay Commission arrears, and restoration of provident fund contributions and arrears.The association has also demanded that electric buses be operated and maintained directly by KTC without third-party contractors, with a minimum monthly salary of Rs 35,000 for electric bus drivers, besides allowances and other benefits.Other demands include payment of pending bonuses and ex-gratia, promotions for eligible employees, recruitment of 300 new diesel buses to replace the ageing fleet, an end to alleged arbitrary fines and victimisation of union members, and improved security and night-halt facilities for drivers and conductors.The association said the strike was being called after repeated written communications failed to resolve the employees’ grievances.
