On Monday, casual workers of the South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) persisted with their strike for the fifth consecutive day, despite assurances from State Transport Minister Snehashis Chakraborty. The minister pledged to provide them with a minimum of 26 days of work per month. The strike has impacted bus services in various parts of the state, particularly in south Bengal, including Burdwan, Durgapur, Haldia, Medinipur, Digha, Siuri, and Rampurhat.
Minister Chakraborty, addressing the concerns of the protesting workers, promised to discuss and address their additional demands. He appealed for the withdrawal of the strike, especially during the festive season of Durga Puja, emphasizing the importance of resuming bus services for the public. The minister expressed willingness to engage in further dialogue after Durga Puja to resolve the remaining issues.
The protesters, categorized as casual workers hired through an agency, are affiliated with the INTTUC. Ranjan Pradhan, representing INTTUC, stated that while the minister agreed to two of their seven demands in private discussions, there was a lack of clarity when he addressed the media, focusing on only one demand. As a result, the strike will persist until there is clarity on all issues.
In addition to the demand for a guaranteed 26 days of work per month, the casual SBSTC workers are seeking holidays and other benefits. Despite initial dissatisfaction expressed by the transport minister when bus services were abruptly halted, the workers remain steadfast in their strike.
BJP national vice-president Dilip Ghosh criticized the Trinamool Congress government, highlighting discontent among School Service Commission (SSC) candidates, transport workers, doctors, and nurses. TMC leader Madan Mitra congratulated the minister for actively engaging with the striking workers and urged the withdrawal of the strike during the festive season.