Shiv Sena warns of chakka jam over Diwali bonus for Nagpur electric bus drivers

The issue of bonus for drivers and workers of contract-run electric buses operating under the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) in Nagpur has heated up. Shiv Sena has demanded that all of them be paid the bonus due under the rules before Diwali.

Led by Shiv Sena leader Nitin Tiwari, drivers and workers of the ST electric buses went to the office of the Additional Labour Commissioner and staged a gherao there. They raised the bonus issue and asked the administration to intervene immediately.

The workers allege that contract electric bus drivers and employees have not received the bonus due under the rules for several years. They say that not getting the bonus at festival time leaves them short of money.

The workers also alleged that they are threatened with removal from work when they ask for the bonus. This has caused resentment among the employees. They urged the officials concerned to look into the matter and ensure payment as per the rules.

Tiwari said electric bus drivers and workers should get the bonus before Diwali. According to him, injustice of any kind towards the employees will not be tolerated.

He warned that if the bonus is not paid, Shiv Sena will lead a chakka jam agitation involving the electric buses. After the warning, attention now turns to the stand the administration and authorities concerned will take.

Bus drivers and workers present at the gherao of the Additional Labour Commissioner's office included Kamlesh Tripathi, Ashish Hadge, Abbas Ali, Munna Tiwari, Lalit Bawankar, Kartik Karosia and Sanjay Singh.

The workers' demand is clear: that the bonus issue be settled before Diwali so that they get some financial relief during the festival.