Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RD/CN)

Mangalore, Jan 4: “Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have over 8,000 bus employees who have no job security and are deprived of government facilities, mainly due to the lapse in duties by employees of the labour department in both union and state governments,” said Ivan D’Souza, president, Dakshina Kannada (DK) District Bus Employees’ Union.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Ullal zonal unit of the Association, here recently.

D’Souza urged both union and state governments to include bus and auto rickshaw drivers under the unorganized labourers’ sector, thereby enabling them to get retirement and health benefits, and life insurance.

CPI (M) secretary Krishnappa Salian urged the members to stage a united struggle to get job security and equal pay. DK block youth Congress president Praveenchandra Alva said that the dignity of labour applies to drivers also since they forge good relations in the society. “A united struggle is essential to get government facilities,” he added.

DK District Bus Employees Association – Ullal zonal unit secretary Ismail Kuttar, chief secretary Suresh Shetty, treasurer G D Appuswamy, Auto Rickshaw Drivers Association president Wilfred Tokkottu, Bus Employees’ Association vice-president Rajesh Kottari, Ravi Kukyan, and Santosh Shetty Ullal were present.

Association chief secretary Krishna D Anchan welcomed the gathering. Vice-president Jayaraj Jappinamogaru proposed the vote of thanks.