Telangana Transport Unions Announce Statewide Protest Over Unresolved Grievances
In a significant development, unions representing auto-rickshaws, cabs, taxis, lorries, and goods vehicles across Telangana have declared a statewide protest scheduled for Thursday. The joint call has been issued by several prominent trade unions, including AITUC, CITU, INTUC, BRTU, and TUCI, among others.
Long-Standing Grievances Fuel the Protest
The decision to protest stems from long-standing grievances that have remained unresolved despite repeated representations to authorities. Union leaders express frustration over the lack of action on critical issues affecting transport workers' livelihoods and operational conditions.
Key Demands of the Transport Unions
The unions have outlined several key demands that form the basis of their protest:
- Withdrawal of steep fines imposed under the Motor Vehicles Act
- Rollback of recent fuel price hikes that have significantly increased operational costs
- Reduction in insurance premiums for commercial vehicles
- Cancellation of fitness and permit-related penalties that unions deem excessive
- End to harassment by transport and police officials during enforcement drives
Opposition to Corporate Cab Aggregators
A particularly strong point of contention is the unions' opposition to the expansion of corporate cab aggregators and the unregulated entry of app-based transport services. Union representatives argue that these developments are systematically destroying the livelihoods of traditional drivers and owner-operators.
"While RTC workers enjoy protection as public service workforce members, private and informal transport workers are being pushed into debt and insecurity," stated union leaders, highlighting what they perceive as unequal treatment within the transportation sector.
Peaceful Protest with Widespread Participation
JAC leader Sathi Reddy confirmed to media outlets that the protest would be conducted peacefully but urged commuters to plan their travel accordingly. While emergency services and essential supplies may receive exemptions, unions report overwhelming participation from drivers across multiple districts.
Districts expected to see significant participation include Hyderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar, Nalgonda, and Adilabad, with drivers from both urban and rural areas joining the movement.
Potential Escalation if Demands Are Ignored
Union representatives have indicated that if their demands continue to be ignored, they will intensify the movement in coordination with other labor groups. This suggests the possibility of more widespread and prolonged action if Thursday's protest fails to yield meaningful dialogue or concessions from authorities.
The protest represents a significant mobilization of transport workers across Telangana, highlighting growing tensions between traditional transport operators, regulatory authorities, and emerging corporate transportation models.
