WEB DESK
With employees of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation – MSRTC refusing to call off their indefinite strike, Maharashtra’s Transport Minister Anil Parab on Thursday said that protection will be given to employees who wish to resume work. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Mr. Parab said, the ongoing strike is only leading to losses not just for the corporation, but also the employees. He said, the strike has been termed illegal by the Bombay High Court and the State Government is now free to take legal action against all those who refuse to join back.
Reiterating his request for withdrawing the strike, Mr. Parab said, the government will positively consider all the suggestions that the court-appointed committee will give with regard to the merger of MSRTC with the State Government. He also urged striking employees not to fall prey to politics and rather call on the government for discussions to resolve the issues.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale has said that the State Government must deal sympathetically with the striking workers. In a statement, the RPI(A) Chief said, the government’s undemocratic and aggressive stand has led to the suffering of poor passengers. Demanding justice, Mr. Athawale said the government must immediately withdraw all the suspension notices and adopt a soft approach towards employees who played a critical role in transportation of people and goods during the Corona virus pandemic.
Meanwhile, a delegation of striking MSRTC workers met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Chief Raj Thackeray who urged them to prevent suicides among the personnel. Mr. Thackeray lent his support to the agitation.