Goa: KTC employees protest at Azad Maidan, demand minimum wage of Rs 30,000

Panjim: KTC drivers and employees under the banner of All India Trade Union Congress protested at Azad Maidan in Panjim on Wednesday demanding a substantial increase in their monthly wages, which they want to make a minimum of Rs 30,000. , They are also demanding immediate ratification of the Seventh Pay Commission Agreement with the support of the union.

The protesters demanded the formalization of the seventh wage agreement, as it was implemented without official support. He demanded a substantial increase in the monthly salary of KTC drivers and conductors with more than two years of service and advocated increasing it from Rs 18,000 to Rs 30,000.

He also opposed the involvement of third party operators in the management of electric buses, while also strongly appealing to KTC to take control of the operation of these vehicles. The protesters, aware of reports indicating the removal of approximately 150 to 200 buses out of a total fleet of 400 buses, expressed apprehensions about the adverse impact on transport services, particularly affecting students and residents of remote areas. , which are heavily dependent on KTC buses.

Furthermore, the protesters strongly demanded restoration of the provident fund rate, which was arbitrarily reduced by 12% by the KTC without prior consultation with the workforce. They announced that their protest would continue until the government addressed their demands, with the assurance that all bus routes would remain operational during the protest period. Those who are not on duty vowed to continue their protest until the government fulfills its commitments.