KSRTC workers to extend strike

PSC examination candidates who arrived in city, Sabarimala pilgrims and regular commuters affected by strike on Friday.

Thousands of candidates who arrived in the city to appear for PSC’s LD clerk exam, numerous Sabarimala pilgrims and regular commuters were among those affected by the indefinite strike called from Friday midnight by CITU-affiliated workers union in KSRTC’s Ernakulam depot.

Talks failed

As talks with regional officials failed even on Saturday, the union has decided to extend the agitation to all depots in the district from Sunday midnight, said Venu T.P., an office bearer of KSRTC Employees’ Association (CITU).

Services disrupted

Many long-distance, mofussil, city and low-floor services were disrupted in the wake of the strike, on Saturday. The Prime Minister’s visit to the city on the day further added to the chaos since traffic regulations were in place in select routes.

Workers had demanded, among other things, filling of vacancies and proper rescheduling of working hours. While demanding scientific scheduling of services, Mr Venu alleged that a section of officials were playing into the hands of private bus operators.

KSRTC’s Ernakulam zonal officer Premkumar said that the agency tried its best to operate services on busy routes. “We focused attention on PSC exam centres, to help candidates reach on time.”