BMTC dismisses 96 trainees for not showing up for work

Bengaluru: On Thursday, BMTC fired 96 trainees who did not show up for work as they were participating in the strike. BMTC had already issued a warning on Wednesday that they would take action against those who did not report for the duty.

The absent list which was published included 1,484 trainees consisting of drivers, conductor and technical assistants.

A BMTC official said, “We have sacked 96 members so far for not turning up. We are processing the files of others. We have the powers to dismiss trainees and probationary staff. They can approach a court.”

On Thursday, BMTC published a list of 1,293 probationary employees who did not show up for work for two days. The official added, “We will act against them if they don’t report for duty on Friday.”

In the meantime, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has dismissed 32 employees who faced several complains, from pilferage and absenteism to submission of bogus certificates. An official stated, “The action against them had been pending for a long time. They even joined the strike.”

KSRTC has took the decision to persuade retired drivers and conductors to run buses temporarily. An official said, “We are re-hiring those who retired in the past two years. It’s a stopgap. They should be physically fit and get a Covid-19 negative report from the district medical officer. Driver’s license is also mandatory.”

KSRTC would pay them Rs 700 to Rs 800 every day and they would not be given any benefits other than the weekly off.