Half of auto unions to stay away from strike

About half of the auto unions have decided to stay away from Tuesday’s autorickshaw and taxi strike.

About half of the auto unions have decided to stay away from Tuesday’s autorickshaw and taxi strike.

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In an assurance to Transport Minister Ramakant Goswami, the unions said the festive season was beginning from Tuesday and they do not want to inconvenience the commuters.

Coming out of an emergency meeting, some union leaders said they were satisfied with its outcome.

“The government has agreed to look into our demands compassionately. We have decided not to be a part of the strike,” said MS Mansoori, general secretary, Rashtriya Rajdhani Auto Taxi Chalak Union.

The auto unions have called the strike to protest the transport department’s decision to install GPS devices for Rs. 13,500 each, against Rs. 7,500 mentioned in an affidavit filed before the high court.

The transport department has made GPS installation mandatory for each autorickshaw when it had revised the fares in June 2010.

More than two years later, the government and the autorickshaw unions are yet to reach a consensus on the modalities of the installation and maintenance of the device.

The unions have also been demanding immediate revision of fares as CNG prices have risen by almost 80% since 2010.

“From Rs. 21.90 per kilo then, CNG has now risen to Rs. 38.50 per kilo, Also the prices are revised every three months,” said Rajendra Soni, spokesperson, Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh.

Goswami said adequate arrangements will be made to ensure that commuters faced no inconvenience.

“The DTC has been directed to deploy extra buses, especially at railway stations and inter-state bus terminals. Commuters will be allowed to travel with luggage without paying extra,” Goswami said.