Date:11/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/11/stories/2005101119260100.htm

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RTC strike: threat of invoking ESMA

Special Correspondent

No more talks with unions, says Transport Minister; contingency plan ready

HYDERABAD: The Government has warned the State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) employees that it will invoke provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) if they prevent loyal staff from attending duties or destroy properties.

Transport Minister K. Lakshminarayana said here on Monday that union leaders would be arrested under ESMA if they prevented workers against attending work. "The strike is declared illegal and as such, no salary will be paid for the strike period," he declared.

Speaking to reporters after a video-conference with Collectors and Superintendents of Police, the Minister said the door was closed for further talks with the employees. He said a contingency plan was ready in line with the High Court's direction if the strike was launched. APSRTC Managing Director M. V. Krishna Rao, who was also present, however, said the union could come for talks with the management "anytime".

Commercial Taxes Minister Konathala Ramakrishna, Director-General of Police Swaranjit Sen, APSRTC Chairman Gone Prakasa Rao, Principal Secretary, Transport, A. K. Tigidi and Transport Commissioner Rajeswar Tiwari were present.

Vehicles to be hired

Under the contingency plan, nearly 20,000 drivers would be recruited by October 16 besides as many conductors. All type of private vehicles, including vans and seven-seaters, would be hired. Asked whether the management was not trying to split unions by holding elections at this juncture, they said: "Elections are due as the term of the unions lapsed in August."

The Ministers criticised the unions for being bent upon going on strike on the issue of interim relief even while describing themselves as defenders of the APSRTC.