AP Govt announces wage hike, averts strike by RTC workers

Hyderabad, Oct 12 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister K Lakshminarayana today announced a 12 per cent wage hike for the State Transport Corporation (APSRTC) workers and averted a strike by them any time after October 18.

Emerging out of the talks with the recognised National Mazdoor Union leaders, including its General Secretary M Mahamood and Working President M Nageswara Rao, the Minister announced Rs 150 crore for a hike in wages, with effect from April one, 2005 and another Rs 10 crore for allowances.

Keeping in mind the improved financial position of the RTC and considering the employees demand sympathetically, it was decided to provide a pay hike, the Minister told reporters.

On October three, the NMU had served a strike notice on the management demanding that the Government concede at least 18 per cent hike in wages.

UNI SM ROY 2114