The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has cancelled the weekly days off for its drivers and conductors as it prepares for a possible escalation in the ongoing contractual workers’ agitation. The move comes ahead of a fresh strike call for September 28, with employee representatives warning of a complete work stoppage if their demands are not addressed.
According to the latest instructions issued at DTC depots, drivers and conductors have been told that leaves will not be permitted between September 24 and September 30. The measure is aimed at ensuring that adequate staff remains available to operate buses and prevent further disruption to public transport services in the national capital.
The development follows an ongoing protest by contractual DTC drivers that began on September 15. The dispute has largely centred on wages, employment conditions and benefits for workers engaged through private agencies.
Contractual drivers seek higher wages and service benefits
The protesting workers have been demanding changes to their existing wage structure. Contractual drivers currently receive a daily wage of ₹862, while the unions have demanded a minimum daily payment of ₹2,000.
Their demands also include paid holidays, bonuses and social-security benefits. The Karamchari Ekta Union has additionally sought implementation of a basic dearness allowance (DA) structure for contractual employees and the absorption of privately engaged drivers into the DTC payroll.
The union has warned that workers could intensify the agitation through a complete “stop-work” protest from September 28 if the outstanding demands are not resolved.
The dispute has therefore created a challenge for DTC authorities, who are attempting to maintain regular bus operations while responding to the concerns raised by contractual employees.
DTC takes steps to maintain bus operations
Along with cancelling weekly offs, DTC has taken administrative measures to keep buses operating across the city.
The corporation has redeployed contractual drivers between depots according to operational requirements. On September 19, around 2,693 contractual drivers were temporarily moved to locations where additional manpower was required to maintain services.
DTC has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against some employees accused of interfering with bus operations during the agitation.
At least 70 drivers posted at different depots were issued show-cause notices on September 22 and 23 over allegations that they obstructed bus operations between September 16 and September 22. Around 15 contractual drivers have also been suspended, according to officials.
The disciplinary measures have added another dimension to the dispute, as the corporation seeks to ensure that buses continue to operate while the workers’ protest remains unresolved.
High Court proceedings and bus operations
The developments have also taken place against the backdrop of proceedings before the Delhi High Court concerning disruption to DTC bus services.
DTC informed the court that 96% of its fleet was operational on Wednesday. Following the corporation’s submission, the court closed a petition that had challenged the disruption in bus services.
The operational figures indicate that DTC has been able to maintain a substantial portion of its fleet despite the ongoing labour dispute. However, the proposed September 28 escalation could put additional pressure on the transport network if a large number of contractual workers participate.
What happens next?
The period between September 24 and September 30 is expected to be significant for DTC’s operations. The cancellation of weekly offs is intended to ensure staff availability during a period when the corporation anticipates possible disruption.
For commuters, the key concern is whether the proposed September 28 work stoppage will affect bus availability across Delhi. The impact will depend on the number of employees participating in the protest and the corporation’s ability to deploy alternative staff and maintain services.
The central issues in the dispute remain the contractual drivers’ wage demands, employment conditions, benefits and their demand for changes to their employment status.
With the union maintaining its September 28 deadline and DTC taking measures to protect bus operations, negotiations and administrative decisions in the coming days will determine whether the proposed escalation goes ahead or whether services continue without major disruption.