MSRTC Strike Called Off After Government Assures Salary Hike

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees called off their strike following the government's promise of a Rs 6,500 salary hike. The announcement came after a meeting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, the transport corporation still faces challenges in managing special bus services for the upcoming Ganesh festival.

MSRTC employees ended their two-day strike late Wednesday after securing a government assurance for a salary hike. This decision, announced following talks with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, brings relief to travelers planning to commute during the Ganesh festival.

Union representatives said the state government agreed to a Rs 6,500 increase in the basic salary, effective retrospectively from April 2020. The end of the strike by around 90,000 employees comes as a significant relief, especially with 3,618 special buses scheduled for deployment.

However, MSRTC officials warn of possible delays in bus services. The chief minister has asked for a blueprint to improve employee facilities and appealed to the staff to boost the corporation's revenue.

(With inputs from agencies.)