HRTC Begins Hiring Temporary Drivers Amid Strike Threat
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has started conducting walk-in interviews for drivers on a temporary basis at its various offices, as employees prepare to go on strike from midnight today. The move aims to ensure that the corporation's fleet remains operational if regular drivers and conductors proceed with the strike.
Transport Minister Urges Withdrawal of Strike
Transport Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has appealed to the protesting workers to withdraw their strike call, describing it as illegal and detrimental to public interest. He emphasized that the government has not defaulted on salaries or pensions during the past 42 months, making the sudden strike unjustified.
“The drivers and conductors could have expressed their resentment through other means such as protests or gate meetings instead of calling a strike. HRTC provides an essential service and ferries around five lakh passengers daily. Going on strike is no solution,” Agnihotri said.
Alternative Arrangements Being Made
Agnihotri assured that the government is making alternative arrangements to keep the HRTC fleet operational in case of a strike. The walk-in interviews for temporary drivers are part of these contingency plans.
Employee Grievances
Employees, however, maintain that they have been seeking payment of pending overtime dues and arrears for a long time. They allege that the government is trying to intimidate them by invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act, but insist they will not back down.
