The striking ST employees received a great relief when Transport Minister Adv Anil Parab announced that they would get rise from Rs 3600 to Rs 7200 in basic pay as a solution to the agitation by drivers, conductors, clerks and technical workers for pressing the demand of merger of MSRTC into government.
The minister announced this decision while addressing a press conference at Mumbai on Wednesday. This is the higest increase in the payment and that the government would take guarantee to ensure that the employees get payments till 10th of every month. They should now call off the stir and resume their duties with immediate effect, he appealed.
The rural masses, including school-going students, are suffering badly due to the ongoing strike. Moreover, MSRTC is also sustaining heavy losses due non operation of buses. The employees should join the duties to restore the services.
Adv Parab, who is also the Chairman of MSRTC, said that that the terminated/ suspended employees should join immediately adding that the authorities would take back on their joing the duties. Strict action would be taken against those not joining the duties, the minister added.
The increased amount would be given to the employees from November month. The government would make available the necessary funds for making payments regularly, said Adv Parab.
The minister was discussing about demands with the employees during the past two days with union leaders at Sahyadri Guest House. The court has appointed a three-member committee regarding merger demand and given a limit of 12 weeks. However, the government has taken this decision about pay rise. The government would take a positive decision on the committee report. It has taken one step ahead and now the employees should cooperate by joining duties, Adv Parab said.
