Reason for the DTC strike?
Delhi Transport Corporation workers initiated a strike to demand equal pay, improved working conditions, job security, and the regularization of their employment. Nearly 50% of DTC's 30,000 employees are on temporary contracts. The strike commenced on Saturday with the opening of an all-women bus depot in Sarojini Nagar. By Monday, employees from other depots had joined the protest. Bus driver Abhita Mishra highlighted that no permanent positions have been filled in the DTC since 2010, stating, 'Our demand is to regularize our jobs.'
DTC Employees Seek Permanent Employment Status
Here's what DTC staff members think about the Strice, We earn Rs 842 per day, totaling around Rs 21,000 a month, as we work only 25 days. If we are late or fall ill, we lose a day's pay. Permanent employees earn Rs 50,000-60,000 plus other benefits for doing the same work as us. A DTC official mentioned that around 100 bus operations were impacted, but protesters claimed the number exceeded 300. 'We will continue protesting until our demand for regularisation is fulfilled,' stated Manoj Sharma, president of the DTC Employees' Ekta Union.
Delhi Residents Facing Difficulties
On Monday, commuters faced significant inconvenience due to the strike. "I had come to fill out some pension forms," said Sheela, 60, from Shahdara. "Despite my bad knees, I had to walk from one bus stop to another to find a ride back home. I was unaware of the strike." At major bus hubs like IP Depot, ITO, Anand Vihar, Sarojini Nagar, and ISBT Kashmiri Gate, TOI noticed that people were equally frustrated and confused, with tensions running high. This highlights the extent of difficulties Delhi residents have encountered because of the DTC strike.
Which Regions in Delhi Encountered Issues?
Numerous regions, particularly around significant bus terminals such as Kashmiri Gate, Anand Vihar, and Sarai Kale Khan, experienced heavy traffic congestion. A DTC representative mentioned that a committee of senior officials has been established to address the demands of the protesting workers. 'Their demands have been documented in writing by the depot manager. However, the depot manager noted that the protesters have declined to join any conciliation meetings,' the representative stated.
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