No salary before Vishu: Left unions call for strike at KSRTC, govt sanctions only Rs 30 crore

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Left unions in the KSRTC are for a direct strike from today to protest the delay in salaries. The unions have decided to hold a satyagraha at the depots. In addition, the pro-Congress TDF and pro-BJP BMS unions have called for a strike against the delay in salaries. The strike by the CITU and AITUC unions has put the government in a tight spot. Meantime, there are allegations that the Left unions are only trying to save their face.

It is almost certain that salaries could not be paid to the employees before Vishu. 97 crores are required to pay salaries and arrears. The management had asked the finance department for Rs 75 crore but only Rs 30 crore was sanctioned. The finance ministry wants the remaining amount to be collected from their own collection. However, the management said that it is not possible in the present situation. It will take time for the Rs 30 crore sanctioned by the finance department to reach the account of the KSRTC. The situation is such that even a partial salary could not be paid before Vishu.