TGSRTC set for landmark union elections

Hyderabad: After a decade-long gap, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation is set to hold union elections on Friday, with nearly 39,000 eligible employees casting secret ballots. A total of 12 unions are competing in the fray, divided into three major strategic alliances. Workers will cast two votes, choosing one state-level union and one regional-level representative union to advocate for their workplace rights.

The polls come amid heightened trade union activity and pressing demands regarding employee service conditions alongside corporation growth. Previously, unions staged a three-day strike from April 22 to 24, 2026. This agitation led to key agreements, including merging RTC staff with state government departments, reviving trade union activities, and implementing the 2021 wage revision. Following discussions, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar promised fulfilling worker demands, prompting union leaders to call off protests before government authorities formally scheduled these polls.

Three main political fronts dominate the election contest. The Joint Action Committee unites the TGSRTC Employees Union, Transport Mazdoor Union, and National Mazdoor Union. Meanwhile, the second group features the Congress-backed Indian National Trade Union Congress alongside the Telangana Workers Union and Staff and Workers Union. The third alliance comprises the Telangana Joint Mazdoor Union alongside the Bahujan Workers Union.

Key campaign issues revolve around integrating employees into government payrolls, implementing salary revisions effective April 1, 2025, and clearing pending arrears from the 2017 and 2021 wage updates. Staff are also demanding upgraded medical facilities at Tarnaka Hospital, regular monthly remittances into the Contributory Pension Scheme and Provident Fund, alongside complete settlement of prior institutional dues.

Furthermore, participating unions press for procuring modern bus fleets, constructing additional depots, and launching fresh regular recruitment drives. Union representatives argue these expansion measures remain vital to strengthen the public transport entity's operational capacity and long-term efficiency across Telangana state routes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MM Farooqui

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M M Farooqui, senior correspondent with interest in writing a range of stories about Hyderabad and its Purana Sheher. An experienced journalist specializing in departments including Heritage, Transport, Municipal Corporation, Majlis among others with over six years of writing expertise. When not immersed in writing, he can be found spending time in eating Hyderabadi cuisines, Mughlai, Chinese, exploring new things and listening to songs and qawwalis. Farooqui is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing with six years of experience, he has honed his craft in various genres. Farooqui’s diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched his writing with unique perspectives.

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