RTC Invites Union For Fresh Talks

The management of the Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) claimed that it was able to run some buses in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on the second day of the employees' strike on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference, RTC Managing Director N Sambasiva Rao said that till 2 pm on Thursday, about 38% of the buses in Andhra Pradesh and 14-15% in Telangana were operated using contract drivers, contractors and drivers of other departments like the police.

He said that special arrangements were being made to provide transportation to the students appearing for the EAMCET on Friday across AP.

He also advised the students and their parents to work towards some alternative modes of transport.

Rao also appealed to the RTC staff to join duties in view of the EAMCET. He said that their strike should not be viewed as anti-society by the people.

The RTC MD exhorted contract drivers and contractors to join duties, and assured them that they would be given preference in regular appointments if they stood by the corporation in critical times.

He said that the management was willing to hold talks with the employees and that it had also agreed to provide 27% fitment allowance by increasing the bus fares by 15%.

He also dismissed reports that appointment of contract drivers was unsafe as an accident had been reported from the Khammam district. He said that the contract drivers were not new, but experienced. (INN)