As the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government is gearing up for the launch of free bus travel scheme for women, a key election promise, from August 15, employees of the APSRTC are gearing for agitation for their long-pending issues.
The RTC Employees’ Union said on Tuesday that the problems of RTC workers, who were merged into government service five years ago, are worsening daily. They demanded immediate payment of dues to employees.
“The leave encashment amounts for retirees and deceased staff since 2022, as well as gratuity from December 2024 till now, have not been paid, causing severe financial distress,” they said.
The union pointed out that 24 months of 11th PRC arrears, pending DA arrears, and four additional DAs are yet to be paid, and promotions have not been given in the last five years.
They said statewide protests were held on July 4 and 5 to press for these demands. They also objected to handing over prime RTC lands from Governorpet depots 1 and 2 in Vijayawada, valued at ₹400 crore, to Lulu Mall under GO 137.
The union revealed that in 20 districts, leaders have already signalled readiness for future protests, and district-level meetings and press briefings will be held in the remaining six districts on August 17.
“If the main issues remain unresolved by Vinayaka Chavithi, a state-level meeting will be held at the end of the month with other unions to decide the next course of action,” the union leaders said.
