No decision taken in KSTRC single duty, discussion to continue today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A decision has not been taken in the discussion held by Ministers Antony Raju and V Sivankutty with the representatives of employees union regarding imposing single duty system in ordinary services. The system is being introduced to reduce expenses. The discussion will continue today.

It was pointed out that an additional Rs 39 crore per month could be raised by imposing single duty. There are 2400 ordinary buses. Employees have to work six days a week on single duty. Eight hours of duty and double pay for overtime.According to the Motor Transport Workers Act 1961 duty time should not exceed 12 hours. But the employees' unions were not ready to accept this. The leaders of the unions said that although it was the system was introduced 60 years ago, duties were not regulated according to this and they wanted time to check the conditions.

The ministers said the government would approve a package guaranteeing financial assistance of Rs 250 crore if the proposals regarding duty are approved. The leaders demanded in the discussion that the salary should be paid without delay. Minister Antony Raju assured that government assistance will be given as soon as it is received.