NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government has restored the minimum wages for the contractual employees of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
“The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) Management has given directions that the enhanced and restored wages will be paid to all the Contractual Drivers and Conductors by 1st of November 2018 along with their arrears from 4th August 2018 so that the workers can celebrate the Diwali festival properly,” said a statement by the Delhi government on Tuesday.
The state conceded to DTC contractual workers` demand of restoring old wages, which were earlier decreased due to a High Court decision.
However, the contractual workers are also demanding same pay for same work.
"We do not want them to just restore old wages. We are not labours, we are employees and we want to be treated as such," a source in the DTC contractual employees told IANS.
Some striking employees are resorting to violence, claimed the government.
“A few workers are still resorting to an illegal strike and are not reporting for duty which is violative of the ESMA orders and action can be taken against them under the relevant rules. Some of the striking employees are also resorting to violence against the employees willing to perform their duties,” read the statement.
Nearly 94% buses of the DTC fleet went back on the roads by Tuesday evening.
"The out-shedding on Monday was 89 per cent and on Tuesday, it was 94 per cent," DTC Chairman said.
Other demands of the contractual workers include the return of eight of their terminated workers and job security.
The agitated protestors said that they will continue their strike until their demands are met by the government.
"This is our ninth day and no one from the government or the DTC has come to talk to us. We have been sending them notices, but to no avail," President of the contractual workers employees said.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government called the protest "illegal" as it violates the Essential Services and Maintenance Act.
