JOIN USSnap strike by conductors hits BMTC AC bus services for two hours
Women conductors of BMTC’s Volvo depot at Kempegowda bus station staged a flash protest, disrupting AC bus services for more than two hours on Thursday.
Women conductors Nagamani, Deepa, Suvarna, Surekha and others sat on a dharna alleging that depot manager Basappa was abusive and his unprofessional attitude has led to suffering. Soon, over 100 drivers and conductors joined them.
“Nagamani, a conductor, was removed from the route which she had been handling for months. When she went and requested the depot manager to allot her work, he started abusing her.
“Many women conductors who have suffered due to the unprofessional behaviour of the depot manager, joined her and staged a protest,” said T L Rajagopal, joint secretary of KSRTC Staff and Workers’ Federation.
Shailaja C N, a conductor on route 335EP, said while the higher ups in the BMTC are employee-friendly, those in the lower ranks were yet to learn how to behave in a professional environment.
“We get approval for leave from the assistant traffic superintendent but the depot manager refuses to sign the letter. We have to beg him to get the leave even in times of emergency,” she said.
Lalithamma, a senior conductor who has been working in the depot for the last 20 years, said drivers and conductors are told to be present at work at 6 am but do not get any work till 8 am.
“We are harassed for bringing less revenue. But there is nothing in our hands to increase the revenue. We do our duty without any lapses. It is left to the people to use BMTC buses. Moreover, why would people board a bus whose air condition does not work,” she asked.
Divisional Controller Basavaraju arrived at the spot and held a meeting with the protesting staff. “The issue has been resolved. We heard the grievances of the staff and gave necessary instructions to the depot manager. We have also decided to hold monthly meeting with the staff to resolve issues,” he said.