Overview
- Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Tuesday urged Telangana State Road Transport Corporation employees to withdraw their strike plan for April 22 and meet for talks, saying merger and union issues rest with the government.
- The employees’ Joint Action Committee announced on Monday an indefinite walkout from April 22 to press 32 demands, including a merger with the state, union elections, and pay and benefits on par with government staff.
- The minister said a committee is reviewing a possible merger of the corporation with the state, noting the previous government set up the panel on September 9, 2023 and progress slowed during election periods.
- He said a 2.1% dearness allowance was paid with no dues pending and added that a pay revision for staff is under consideration as the state also trims provident fund and cooperative society arrears and adds buses and new hires.
- Union leaders warn the strike could park more than 6,000 buses and disrupt trips for over 60 lakh daily riders across Telangana, which would affect workers, students, and low‑income commuters who rely on public buses.