Union warns of strike if more PMPML employees sacked

Pune: The rift between Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Tukaram Mundhe and the workers’ unions, including INTUC, is widening and a showdown is likely in the near future. 

The tussle intensified after Mundhe issued  dismissal notices to 158 drivers on Saturday. On Tuesday, he sent a notice to INTUC to vacate its office on PMPML premises. The union is considering legal options in this regard. The union stated that if the authorities try to sack more drivers or conductors, they may go on strike.

“It has been observed in the past few days that the management is trying to run buses on their own terms and conditions. The sacked employees were on contract basis. However, that doesn’t mean they can be dismissed arbitrarily. They are alleging that the sacked employees were absent for over 22 days, but actual figures say most of them were not given buses to drive and were forced to sit at home while some were on leave,” said a driver and a working member of the union.

“We got to know that the authorities may sack 200 more drivers. If this happens, they may go on a strike. We will persuade the PMPML management to roll back their decision,” said the union member.

However, Subhash Gaikwad, spokesperson of PMPML, said the authorities had given buses to these drivers. “The dismissal letters were served on the daily wage drivers on Monday. According to the regulations, they have to be present on duty for at least 22 days in a month. It was found they were absent for more days. New drivers are being recruited to replace them.”