THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The single duty system will be implemented in KSRTC ordinary buses from next month. It was Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who said this in the discussion held yesterday with the representatives of labour organizations.

The government's definition of single duty is eight hours of work in a 12-hour period. Labour unions disagree with this. After the discussion, TDF and BMS leaders said that they will only accept eight hours of duty per day.

The government will hold one or two more talks on duty reform. As per the new system, duty will be arranged according to the schedules at each depot. A maximum number of buses will run during peak hours. Services will be reduced from 11 am to 3 pm when the rush is less. Employees will be allowed rest during this time.

There will also be Noon to Noon duties starting at noon and ending the next day. Arrangements will be made in such a way that employees will not have to suffer because of having to work for 12 hours on consecutive days. An employee, who reports for duty early morning on one day, will be able to start late the next day. KSRTC is expecting an additional revenue of Rs 39 crore per month through the duty change. Duty has been prepared on a trial basis at Kaniyapuram and Attingal depots.