Transport strike cripples services in Gujarat

Public transport services were hit in different parts of the state as three unions of Gujarat State Road Transport Service (GSRTC) went on a day-long nationwide strike called by the transport sector workers against the Centre's new Road Safety and Transport Bill.
According to officials, around 40,000 employees of GSRTC, including drivers, conductors and other administrative staff have gone on a mass casual leave.
The 24-hour strike, which began from midnight today, has been called in support of the nationwide call for strike by various transport unions.
Nearly 8,000 buses operated by GSRTC remained off the roads affecting more than 20 lakh daily commuters across the state.

Though the state administration tried hard to convince the unions to call off their strike, employees maintained their stand to join the nationwide protest.
"There are no issues at the state level for which they (employees) have to take a harsh step like this. We have been in talks with union leaders but they have decided to go ahead with the strike," Secretary, GSRTC K D Desai said.

Union leaders, on the other hand, justified their protest as they claimed that the new bill will ultimately help private bus operators.
"The Road Transport and Safety Bill proposes harsh penalty for drivers. Moreover, the new bill will ultimately benefit private bus operators and weaken powers of state transport. Thus, three of our unions have joined the strike," President, GSRTC Mazdoor Union, Kirit Shah said.

Meanwhile, state Road Transport Minister Vijay Rupani termed the strike as "illegal" and said action will be initiated against the employees.
"The strike is totally illegal. We have not approved their mass casual leave. We will deduct their one-day salary. Without any prior notice or putting forward their demands, they just joined the nationwide call of strike. We will take all necessary legal action against them," said Rupani.
Meanwhile, a commuter Rakesh Vaghela, who was stranded at the city GSRTC depot, said he had to reach Palanpur for some urgent work but has been stranded at the depot for hours now.