Growing Discontent Among Telangana RTC Workers Sparks Massive Protest
Telangana’s Road Transport Corporation (RTC) is on the brink of a major upheaval as thousands of its workers prepare for a statewide strike starting May 7, 2025. This decision follows months of government inaction and unmet promises, despite a formal strike notice submitted on January 27, 2025.
The RTC Joint Action Committee (JAC), led by Chairman Eduru Venkanna, Co-Chairman K. Hanmanth Mudiraj, Vice Chairman M. Thomas Reddy, and Convenor M.D. Maulana, has confirmed that the protest will commence with a powerful demonstration at the Labour Commissioner’s Office on April 7, 2025, under the banner of “Chalo Labour Commissioner Office.”
21 Demands Ignored: Strike Now Inevitable
The JAC emphasized that their strike notice included 21 key demands, but neither the RTC management, state government, nor the Labour Commissioner have responded. This silence has left workers with no choice but to escalate their agitation.
Among the most pressing issues is the unfulfilled promise by the Congress government to merge RTC workers into government service—a commitment that remains unresolved months into its tenure.
Trade Union Rights Still Denied
The JAC expressed frustration over the lack of progress on reviving trade unions, a pledge made during the election campaign. They criticized the authorities for deliberately delaying union recognition, despite there being no financial burden on the government or RTC management to restore them.
The absence of formal union representation has made workers vulnerable to harassment and pressure from management, according to the JAC leaders.
2017 Pay Revision Still Pending
Another long-standing grievance is the non-payment of arrears from the 2017 pay revision. Despite the revision being implemented, workers—especially retirees—have not received their due salary adjustments or arrears, a situation described by the JAC as “deeply unjust.”
The JAC further accused management of continuing outdated allowance systems while ignoring the implementation of revised 2017 allowances, effectively exploiting workers’ labor without fair compensation.
2021 Wage Revision Overdue
Adding to the discontent is the expiration of the 2021 wage revision timeline, with no steps taken to revise salaries. The JAC is urging the government to immediately address wage disparities and bring financial relief to overburdened employees.
‘Breadwinner Scheme’ Jobs Must Be Regularized
Under the ‘Breadwinner Scheme’, jobs are being offered on a consolidated pay basis. The JAC insists that these roles must be made permanent and regularized, arguing that temporary employment models lack security and dignity.
Exploitation of Labor: 12–16 Hour Shifts Under Fire
One of the most serious allegations is the violation of the Minimum Wages Act (MWA). Management is reportedly forcing workers—especially drivers and conductors—to work 12 to 16-hour shifts, a clear breach of labor laws which cap work hours at 8 per day.
Overburdened drivers are said to be dying prematurely behind the wheel, while conductors are reportedly developing chronic health issues due to relentless schedules.
Legal Limits Needed for Single-Crew Driving
The JAC demanded that single-crew duty mileage—sometimes reaching 500 to 600 kilometers per driver—must be regulated as per legal standards, calling it inhuman and dangerous.
Breathalyzer Abuse: Suspensions Without Cause
Drivers are being subjected to suspensions and removals based on breathalyzer tests, despite concerns over the technical faults in the machines. The JAC called these actions “unfair character assassinations” of workers, labeling drivers as alcoholics without verified proof.
Suspensions for Minor Errors
Suspending drivers and conductors for minor or unverified complaints is an ongoing issue. The Mahalakshmi Scheme has reportedly triggered numerous unwarranted suspensions, often based solely on passenger complaints without evidence.
This climate of fear, combined with violent incidents against staff onboard buses, is leaving many workers feeling unsafe and unprotected in their daily duties.
Demand for Government-Supplied Electric Buses
The JAC is urging both the central and state governments to supply electric buses directly to RTC. They warned against the current model of leasing electric buses from private manufacturers, stating it is putting the financial stability of RTC at risk.
Recruitment Freeze Causing Staff Shortage
Years of recruitment inaction have created a serious manpower crisis. Existing employees are being forced to shoulder workloads of retired staff, leading to burnout and increased operational inefficiencies.
Call to Strengthen RTC’s Production Units
JAC leaders demanded the expansion of production staff in RTC’s units and recommended that buses be manufactured internally instead of purchasing from external companies. This move, they argue, would reduce costs and boost self-reliance.
Immediate Clearance of Employee Funds
RTC management is also being criticized for withholding mandatory employee fund contributions like Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) and CCS payments. The JAC demands immediate disbursement of these funds.
Government Inaction May Escalate Strike
The JAC placed full responsibility for the strike squarely on the state government and RTC management. Their continued inaction and suppression of workers’ rights has made an industrial strike inevitable.
They called on authorities to intervene immediately, resolve the core issues, and restore industrial peace within RTC operations.
Widespread Detentions of Workers Condemned
On April 7, 2025, as workers mobilized for the protest at the Labour Commissioner’s Office, several were illegally detained across multiple regions including Khammam, Sathupalli, Kothagudem, Chengicherla, Hakimpet, Kukatpally, and Ibrahimpatnam.
The JAC has strongly condemned these preemptive arrests, warning that if suppression continues, a flash strike (lightning protest) will be initiated.
Warning to the Government: History Could Repeat
JAC leaders cautioned the current administration, reminding them of the fate of previous governments that ignored RTC workers’ protests. Attempts to intimidate and isolate workers through arrests and suppression, they warned, could lead to similar political downfall.
Massive Participation Across the State
The “Chalo Labour Commissioner” protest witnessed widespread participation from workers across Telangana. The collective voice of thousands echoed a single demand: Resolve our issues or face a full-scale strike.
Leaders from various unions including S. Babu (Employees Union President), M. Venkati Goud (Chief Vice President), K. Bhaskar Rao (State Secretary), CH. B. Reddy (TMU Vice President), A.R. Reddy (TMU President), and several others stood in solidarity with workers, asserting that this movement will not be silenced.
Final Note: Time to Act, Not Delay
The Telangana RTC strike is more than a labor dispute—it’s a boiling point of systemic neglect, broken promises, and the relentless exploitation of essential workers. With May 7 marked as the strike start date, the clock is ticking for the government to respond.
If resolution doesn’t come soon, Telangana’s public transport could grind to a halt, triggering not just commuter chaos, but a serious political and industrial crisis.
