Hyderabad RTC Workers To Receive 11 Percent Salary Hike From July

Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced in Hyderabad that the government is implementing its promises to Road Transport Corporation (RTC) workers, including an 11 percent Pay Revision Commission (PRC) salary hike starting from July. The announcement follows a detailed 14-hour discussion between government ministers, led by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, and approximately 30 representatives from each worker union to address 32 key demands.

During the extensive negotiations, the government and union leaders reached unanimous decisions on 29 out of 32 demands. These 29 issues fall under the purview of the RTC management, and the minister confirmed that actions have already been initiated through a committee to resolve them.

The remaining three demands fall under the direct purview of the state government. These key issues include conducting elections for RTC recognition unions, implementing the 2021 PRC, and the merger of the RTC with the government.

Regarding the PRC, Prabhakar clarified that the 11 percent salary increase will be reflected in the workers' salaries starting in July.

Addressing the merger process, the minister noted that union representatives had previously agreed that worker leaders must be included in the policy-making committees. To ensure these leaders represent recognized unions, the government decided to prioritize conducting the union elections first.

As part of this effort, the government has already initiated the election process and appointed Labour Joint Commissioner Sunita as the nodal officer. The verification process is currently underway, and the official election schedule will be released soon to conduct the recognition union elections.

Prabhakar criticized certain union leaders for allegedly distorting facts and trying to mislead the public and workers regarding the election and merger processes. He stated that it was not right for some leaders to change their tune and act in a way that prevents the elections from happening.

He appealed to the workers to recognize the facts and not believe false propaganda, stating that the government is working to fulfill its commitments. He added that the Congress government intends to include worker leaders from the recognized union in the committee to formulate merger policies so that no troubles arise in the future.