Day 23 of strike: MSRTC terminates services of 238 temporary employees, suspends 297 staffers

With bus depots shut and services halted due to the non-availability of staffers, the transporter is preparing to hire temporary staffers. The administration is also appealing to employees to report to work.

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Earlier this week, around 100 candidates who were on the corporation's recruitment wait list were hired. (Express file photo by Nirmal Harindran)

As the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) workers’ strike entered its 23rd day on Friday, the corporation has started suspending more staffers and are in process of hiring candidates who were on the recruitment waiting list.

On Friday, services of 238 temporary employees were terminated and 297 employees were suspended, taking the total suspensions to 2,776 of the odd 94,000 staffers.

Earlier this week, around 100 candidates who were on the corporation’s recruitment wait list were hired. As many as 2,500 such candidates could be hired, said officials.

Also Read | Strike enters 22nd day: MSRTC hires consultancy agency to suggest solutions for revival

With bus depots shut and services halted due to the non-availability of staffers, the transporter is preparing to hire temporary staffers. The administration is also appealing to employees to report to work immediately. Appropriate protection will be given to those who return to work, an official said.

The striking workers have been alleging that the corporation, in a bid to end the strike, are forcing the private operators of buses to run the services or their payment will be stopped. Workers said the government is trying to end the strike by using several pressure techniques but they are determined to continue with the strike.

The number of staffers protesting at Azad Maidan has been steadily increasing over the last few days. The strikers have asked each bus depot to send 100-150 staffers to Azad Maidan to intensify the protest.

Since October 27, the staffers are protesting seeking merger with the state government so that they can avail benefits of government employees. On Friday, the MSRTC managed to run 131 buses and transport 3,517 passengers. Almost all these buses are privately owned Shivneri and Shivshahi.

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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