Mo Bus services affected in Rourkela as staff launch protest; agitation called off after CRUT intervention

Daily commuters in Rourkela struggled to reach their destination as staff of the Mo Bus services launched an indefinite protest on Sunday demanding fulfillment of various demands including timely release of salary.

According to sources, as many as 100 Mo Buses, operated by the Capital Region Urban Transport in Steel City, stayed off-road as more than 200 guides launched the protest demanding safety and security inside buses, provision of provident fund and Employees' State Insurance (ESI). 

“We are not getting our salary on time. When I joined one and a half years ago, I was told that the salary would be credited between the 7th and 10th of every month. But we are not getting the salary on a particular date. Despite serving for the last 18 months and submitting all necessary documents, no one in the team has been given EPF and ESI benefits,” said a protesting Mo Bus staff.

Raising concern over safety, the staff of Mo Bus said, “No one comes to our help when we are subjected to assaults. The women staff are always misbehaved inside the bus. But nothing bothers the senior CRUT officials.”

“A man inebriated condition misbehaved with me inside the bus. While the passengers came in support of me and lodged a police complaint, our officials seem to be to the least bothered despite bringing the matter to their attention,” alleged a woman employee of the Mo Bus.

“All the 230 guides of the Mo Bus have decided to continue the strike until our demands are met,” another protester said.

Meanwhile, the agitating staff of the Mo Bus services subsequently called off their strike following a discussion with the CRUT officials who assured them of fulfilling their demands within seven days.