Antony Raju
Thiruvananthapuram: Transport Minister Antony Raju on Friday said that the strike held by the trade unions is unacceptable considering the efforts being made by the cooperation to overcome the financial crisis amid the pandemic.
“The unions demanded a pay revision which will incur an additional liability of Rs 30 crore. The government was not even given 30 hours to discuss this matter. So, there is no point behind the strike,” he said.
“The government is paying the employees despite there being no provision to raise a single rupee. The government is spending Rs 80 crore on salaries,” he added.
He questioned the stance of the unions which leaves the government in jeopardy.
The minister also added that the government will frame a law if the unions continue to take such steps. He also hinted government's plan to declare KSRTC as an essential service.
“The strike is unnecessary amid the reopening of schools and Sabarimala season. Torturing the people over the quarrel between unions and KSRTC management is injustice," said the minister.