Ponnam Prabhakar Urges TGSRTC Staff to Avoid Strike Amid Ongoing Talks

• Ponnam Prabhakar urges TGSRTC staff to avoid strike
• TGSRTC strike announced after failed talks with officials
• Ponnam Prabhakar says PRC and merger under review

Amid rising tensions within the transport sector, Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has appealed to TGSRTC employees to step back from their proposed strike, assuring that their demands are currently under active consideration.

The appeal comes at a time when unions have announced an indefinite statewide strike starting April 22, following unsuccessful discussions with officials. The situation escalated after a meeting with the Labour Commissioner ended without any breakthrough, prompting the Joint Action Committee to call for stronger action.

Ponnam Prabhakar emphasized that key concerns such as the implementation of the Pay Revision Commission and the long pending demand for merger with the state government are being reviewed by a dedicated committee. He also highlighted that the government recently approved a Dearness Allowance increase, indicating its willingness to address employee issues.

Union leaders, however, have expressed frustration over the repeated absence of RTC management and government representatives during crucial meetings. According to them, this lack of participation has weakened trust and delayed resolution of their concerns.

The employees have put forward a wide range of demands, including implementation of pay revisions, settlement of pending dues and formal recognition of unions through elections. Concerns have also been raised about the government’s plans involving private electric buses and the redistribution of RTC services.

Another major issue flagged by the corporation is the financial strain caused by welfare schemes. Officials have reportedly sought monthly support from the government to manage losses arising from free travel initiatives.

The current developments have also reminded many of the prolonged 2019 RTC strike, which had severely disrupted transport services across Telangana and led to significant hardships for both workers and the public.

With the strike date approaching, all eyes are now on further discussions between the government and unions, as commuters across the state brace for possible disruptions in bus services

Also read: Telangana RTC Strike From 22 Sparks Tension as Workers Press 32 Demands