Goemkarponn Desk
MARGAO: Commuters using Electric buses of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited(KTCL) had a tough time today after the drivers of the 50 odd buses resorted to flash strike demanding hike in salary from existing Rs 18,000 to Rs 25,000.
KTCL managed to put the buses back on 20 routes using their drivers and has said that they will put their drivers on remaining buses too if the EV bus drivers don’t start with the work at the earliest.
The drivers are employed under Olectra Greentech Limited, the company that supplied the EV buses to the Goa govt.
The drivers are also seeking 40 % annual hike as against existing 10 %.
It is learnt that the drivers had given a letter to this effect to the company and that the company has not yet accepted their demand.
With pursuant to the letter submitted by the Driver duly requesting to increasing the salary by 40% hike, this is hereby to bring to your notice that We have already provided a salary hike to all eligible Drivers in the month of April 2023.
Also SV is considering the Driver importance have been providing the Insurance for all Drivers to cover accidental losses.
Further despite the company is facing multiple challenges, in order to continue the electric bus services, we have been supporting the drivers from time to time. The proposed hike i.e. 40% demanded by the Drivers seems exorbitantly high in view of latest hike given in month of April 2023. It may also be notified that salary hikes are normally given in the industry once in a year.
Further, it is also to be understood and to cooperate that we are all serving the needs of public inline to Government of Goa and Kadamba Transport initiatives for electrifying the Public Transport.
These 50 Electric Buses that are being operated from Madagaon depot are covering various deep pockets of Goa State commuting thousands of Goans within the State. Now is that the School Season and colleges are re-open across all the State any interruption to public transport services shall not be appreciated.
However, we are required ample time to review the proposal given You and understand the industry practices across the State and shall revert to all Drivers within a month or two at the earliest possible.
