Transport Minister and PCC chief Mr. Botsa Satyanarayana told journalists in Hyderabad today that the National Mazdoor Union (NMU) has agreed to call off the APSRTC strike with immediate effect.

Speaking after a meeting with the RTC MD Mr Prasada Rao and the NMU leader Mr Mehmood at his residence, Botsa said the union has agreed to call off the strike in view of the people’s transport requirements.

“The state government as well as the Centre had recognized the seriousness of the strike by the RTC employees across Telangana region and the Centre will soon take a decision on the Telangana issue,” said Botsa Satyanarayana.

Strike called off to save RTC

Mr Mehmood said they have decided to postpone the strike by a few days in view of the demands by various sections of society.

Thousands of RTC employees have been on strike since Sept 19 across Telangana demanding the formation of Telangana state. State government employees began their mass general strike on Sept 13 and RTC employees, supported by al major unions, joined the strike on Sept 19.

Mehmood observed that the RTC suffered a huge loss of Rs.150 Cr and they have decided to call off the strike to prevent further losses to the Government organization. “The Government has agreed to withdraw all cases registered against the RTC employees and treat the strike period as special leave,” said Mehmood.

He said the government will pay an advance of Rs.15, 000 to regular employees and Rs.10,000 to contract employees besides Rs.3000 as festival advance to all employees. “We have also dissolved the NMU Telangana Forum,” he said.