Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD)

Mangalore, Jan 1: The Centre of Indian Trade Unions(CITU) held a protest on Tuesday, December 31, in front of DC's office here demanding facilities to workers employed in private buses.

"The owners of the private busses are supposed to provide all facilities to their workers. Even an appeal letter was given to the owners but there has been no reply," said Vasanth Achari, chief secretary, CITU.

He added the government must intervene in the issue and respond to their demands.

Some of the demands were:

- Clash between the buses and commission system must be stopped. Monthly wages must be given to drivers, conducters and cleaners.
- Wages to the drivers must be set at Rs 1,100 and to conducters at Rs 1,000. For overtime work higher wage must be paid.
- Annual bonus must be given.
- Holiday pay should be provided.
- ESI facilities must be provided. In case the ESI facility cannot be provided at a particular place, similar arrangements must be done.
- Gratuity must be given.
- Log book must be kept for the workers.
- Expenses must be paid by the owners when there is an accident and court related issues must be handled by the owners itself.
- Every year owners should provide two pair of uniform to their workers.
- Owners are not supposed to fire their workers without listening to their petitions.
- Harassment from the police must be stopped.
- Workers are supposed to provided with shelter to stay.
- Workers must be provided with BPL ration card.
- Educational criteria must be disregarded when the workers are given license.
- Physical assault on the workers must be stopped.