Andhra Pradesh – Palnadu Dist – Piduguralla : A protest was held in front of the Piduguralla RTC depot under the leadership of CITU, demanding the immediate reinstatement of seven workers who were allegedly removed illegally from the washing section of the depot.
APRTC Contract and Outsourcing Workers Union State Secretary V. Tulasi Ram, who led the protest, stated that the dismissed workers must be brought back to duty immediately and their pending wages must be cleared without delay.
He said a letter was already submitted by the contractor on September 17 recommending the reinstatement of the workers. However, the depot manager reportedly refused, saying workers would be taken back only if the contractor personally brings them, which the union criticized as an arbitrary and irresponsible attitude.
Allegations of Wage Fraud and PF Violations
According to Tulasi Ram, each worker is supposed to receive a monthly wage of ₹12,382 including PF, but only ₹9,000 is being paid. He alleged that no PF accounts were opened, and workers were being denied PF contributions, ESI, weekly holidays, and festival leaves, amounting to serious violations of labour laws.
He questioned, “Where is the rest of the money going? Who is pocketing the PF and ESI amounts that rightfully belong to the workers?”
The union demanded an immediate joint meeting involving the depot manager, contractor, and union representatives to resolve the issues and ensure justice for the workers.
Warning of Escalating Agitation
If the demands are not met, CITU warned that they would launch a phase-wise agitation. The protest saw participation from CITU Mandal Convener T. Srinivasa Rao, workers L. Mariyamma, G. Manikyam, D. Uma, M. Mariyamma, Saidamma, and others.
