Maharashtra: MSRTC Strike Called Off After Government Approves Rs.6,500 Salary Hike
Maharashtra: MSRTC Strike Called Off After Government Approves Rs.6,500 Salary Hike
The statewide strike by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees was called off on Wednesday after the state government announced a salary hike of ₹6,500. The decision came following a meeting between employee representatives and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Industries Minister Uday Samant confirmed the development, stating, “The unions had demanded a ₹7,000 increase, but the government agreed to a hike of ₹6,500, which the employees accepted, leading to the withdrawal of the strike.”
The salary hike, which will be effective from April 2020, was formalized through a statement from the Chief Minister’s office.
The strike, which had entered its second day, severely disrupted MSRTC bus services, particularly in Pune. Private bus operators took advantage of the situation by raising fares by nearly 50%, significantly impacting travelers, especially those heading home for the upcoming Ganesh festival.
Kishor Dasawe, a student traveling from Pune to Satara, shared his experience, saying, “I had to pay ₹600 for a ticket that normally costs ₹300. This was pure exploitation of passengers.”
The announcement of the salary hike brought relief to thousands of passengers across the state as MSRTC resumed normal operations.
