Unique demand from drivers & conductors of MTC buses has taken many by surprise!!
Posted on: 19/Sep/2022 9:06:13 AM
Traffic congestion and Chennai go hand in hand!!
Now, the traffic congestion is not only making the commuters of MTC buses get irritated due to frequent delays but it is also making many drivers and conductors of MTC buses make a unique demand of overtime wages for one or two hours of additional working hours. This has surprised many.
On Tuesday morning, there would be a demonstration by the union members in front of all the MTC depots seeking overtime payment for working even after the stipulated working hours. This was mentioned by Mr. V. Dayanandham, general secretary, CITU affiliated Government Transport Employees Union. The upcoming demonstration would also make demand for providing work for the conductors who turn up for work in absence of drivers.
Mr. V. Dayanandham in his letter to the MD of MTC has mentioned about the GCC operating more than 3000 MTC buses in Chennai every day. It must be noted that the number of scheduled bus trips have reduced during the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown as the patronage was low. He added that at present the patronage has increased and the traffic congestion in Chennai has become high.
It is true that MTC has reduced the number of trips to conserve diesel and with more patronage in the buses MTC has restored the number of trips. This has led to the shift timings of all the drivers and conductors of MTC buses to increase by one to two hours. The general secretary wants the bus drivers and conductors to be paid overtime wages.
Every day, many conductors in Chennai turn up for work but do not get work due to lack of enough drivers. The driver shortage was due to the retirement of the drivers plus due to transfers etc. It is now said that those conductors who return home due to lack of drivers must be given attendance by engaging them in the training classes etc.
It was brought to light by a senior officer belonging to MTC that the conductors were not sent back without work. He revealed that after the new wage settlement agreement all MTC buses were operated and conductors were not sent back.
