TV
Commuters in Berhampur faced severe inconvenience on Tuesday as over 40 employees of the city’s Ama Bus service staged a protest demanding a salary hike and better safety measures. The agitation has led to 19 buses being off the roads across five major routes, disrupting daily travel for thousands of residents.
The protesting employees have alleged irregularities in the deposit of their EPF and ESI contributions, claiming that these are not being properly credited. In addition, they have demanded clearly designated bus stoppages within the city and improved safety arrangements for staff on duty.
“We have decided to stay off roads as we are not getting salary on time. Besides, they have cancelled 4 monthly leaves. Though PF contribution is deducted but it is not deposited on time,” said an employee.
Further he alleged, “We have demanded a pass for our family, but they are yet to issue it. We are suspended from the duties for minor mistakes. There no proper stoppage for which we face public anger. We will continue our protest until our demands are met.”
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Echoing the same, another staff alleged, “Our vehicles are bigger and the routes are narrow. We are being tortured by public, traffic and senior authority. Until our demands are not met, we will continue our protest.”
No comments from the Ama Bus authorities could be obtained over the protest.
