Mon Nov 18 15:43:41 UTC 2024: ## Puducherry PRTC Workers Stage Hunger Strike Over Regularization and Benefits

**Puducherry, November 18, 2024** – Hundreds of Puducherry Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) employees launched a hunger strike on Monday, demanding the regularization of long-term contract workers and the implementation of various benefits. The protest, organized by the PRTC Employees Union and the PRTC Daily Wage and Contract Employees Union, focused on several key issues.

The unions are demanding the regularization of contract conductors and drivers who have served for 10 years or more, with special attention given to women conductors with 14 years of service. Additionally, they are seeking the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme, and the appointment of a full-time Managing Director and General Managers at the PRTC.

Union representatives M.T. Velayyan and M. Thamizhselvam stated that the request for regularization has been pending for six years despite receiving various levels of approval. They also highlighted the disparity between PRTC employees and those in other public sector enterprises, who have already received the benefits of the 7th Pay Commission and career progression schemes.

While a meeting with PRTC management last month reportedly yielded a promise to forward regularization files to the government and schedule further discussions, the unions proceeded with the hunger strike to pressure authorities for immediate action.

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