Nagpur: Commuters of Aapli Bus in Nagpur could be in trouble as the Vanchit Bahujan Mathadi Transport and General Kamgar Union (VBMTGKM), which claims to have control over employees of Aapli Bus fleets, has announced an indefinite strike of the city bus service from August 15 over several demands.
However, the BJP-controlled Nagpur NMC Aapli Bus Contractual Kamgar Sangh has issued a notice stating that around 1,000 bus drivers from five bus operators will not participate in the strike.
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According to a senior official from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), all four demands of the Aapli Bus employees, including drivers and conductors, have already been accepted by NMC’s Transport Department. These demands include salary revision, formation of an enquiry committee to deal with employee grievances, payment for paid leave between 2017 and 2023, and a yearly bonus.
NMC operates approximately 500 buses on over 120 routes, with an average of a lakh passengers travelling in Aapli Buses daily. Despite the acceptance of their demands by NMC’s Transport Department, VBMTGKM leader Ambadas Shende claims that both drivers and conductors working for NMC’s Aapli Bus fleet are underpaid and deprived of many welfare schemes.
Shende, who was previously associated with Aapli Bus as a conductor, was terminated for alleged irregularities. Following his termination, he formed an employees’ union comprising drivers and conductors.
The conflicting stance of the two unions has created uncertainty regarding the potential impact of the strike on the city’s public transportation system. Passengers who rely on Aapli Buses for their daily commute may face difficulties if the strike proceeds as planned by VBMTGKM.
The NMC’s Transport Department is working to ensure that the bus services remain operational and that the demands of the employees are addressed satisfactorily.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the strike will take place as announced by VBMTGKM or if a compromise can be reached between the unions and NMC to ensure the smooth functioning of Aapli Bus fleet in Nagpur.
