KSRTC unions threaten strike over salary

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The salary crisis in KSRTC is continuing and unions have threatened to go on strike if they are not paid by Monday. The talks between unions and the management have failed as no assurance was given on the disbursement of salaries.
The management said at the meeting that salaries cannot be paid before June 20 unless the government helps with sufficient funds. KSRTC has sought Rs 65 crore from the government for salary disbursement this time.
However, unions were not satisfied with the management's decision, and CITU leaders boycotted the meeting. CITU has called for a dharna in front of the KSRTC headquarters from Monday, without affecting the services of KSRTC.
However, other unions led by INTUC, AITUC and BMS will finalize what kind of protest they will hold only on Monday. This time unions are not in favour of a strike that would affect KSRTC services.
Meanwhile, transport minister Antony Raju has once again urged the unions not to go ahead with any kind of strike that would affect KSRTC's revenue.
"All public sector units will have to be self-sufficient. The government is contemplating various measures to make KSRTC self-sufficient. Otherwise, the government will not be able to provide them support every month," said Raju.
However, this time the minister has softened his stand and said Rs 65 crore has been sought from the finance department for helping KSRTC this month.