Single shift at petrol bunks may render many jobless

The decision of the Akhila Karnataka Federation of Petroleum Traders’ (AKFPT) to adopt single shift at petrol bunks from October 15 is likely to render employees at the fuel stations jobless.

Adopting one-shift formula, the petrol dealers may downsize the staff, especially fuel-fillers, to half of their existing number as a cost cutting measure.  

“On an average, 10 to 15 persons work at a petrol bunk at any given point of time. With the one-shift formula, we have to remove some of them,” said B R Ravindranath, president of Bangalore Petroleum Dealers’ Association.

The dealers resorted to the one-shift formula, on the ground that the recent increase in prices of petrol and diesel has eroded their commission. The fuel stations in the City area will work only between 9 am and 6 pm, and those outside the City and on highways
between 6 pm and 6 am.

Sundara Raj R, worker at an Indian Oil petrol bunk in Indiaranagar said he earns around 3,000 a month and the single shift may deprive him of his job and livelihood for his family. “I heard my bunk manager receiving instruction from his higher authority about downsizing the workforce. We only hope that the Central government comes to the rescue of petrol dealers,” he said.

Selva Kumar R, another bunk worker in Vijayanagar, said they were at the receiving end as they can’t even protest. They have no association of their own for their support. “Many times, I work double shifts as the pay is very low. There will be more work pressure on those who are retained, as there will be crowds through out the day,” he said.