Half of MSRTC staffers back at work

Nearly 90,000 employees of the MSRTC, one of the largest inter-city bus systems in the country, went on a strike last year demanding the state-owned corporation be merged with the state government to enable them to avail the benefits of being a government servant.

A view of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) depot at Panvel, during a strike called by MSRTC employees, in Navi Mumbai. (PTI)

Five months after they began their indefinite strike in November last year, nearly 50 per cent of staffers of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) have resumed work.

A substantial chunk of these employees – around 6,000 – resumed work following an order of the Bombay High Court last week.

Nearly 90,000 employees of the MSRTC, one of the largest inter-city bus systems in the country, went on a strike last year demanding the state-owned corporation be merged with the state government to enable them to avail the benefits of being a government servant.

Last week, the Bombay HC, while disposing of the contempt plea filed in a writ petition moved by the MSRTC against the employee trade union and others, had directed the staffers to resume duty by April 22. The court asked the government not to take any action against the striking staffers once they resumed duty and to withdraw the action taken earlier.

According to the MSRTC, there are 81,683 staffers on its attendance sheet at present and by the end of Thursday, a
total of 41,462 employees had returned to work.

An official said the return of over 40,000 staffers following the agitation is an indication that the strike is on the verge of ending and that the MSRTC bus services will soon resume.

The official said the staffers have time till April 22 to resume the service.

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Until Thursday evening, MSRTC buses completed as many as 16,000 trips all over the state, earning the corporation a revenue of Rs 13 crore from issuance of tickets.

“All those who resumed work were reinstated immediately without taking any action against them. All those who would return to work before April 22 will be reinstated in a similar manner. However, action would be taken against those who would not join work by April 22,” said an official.

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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