NEW DELHI: The DTC drivers’ strike entered its fourth day on Friday, with thousands of buses remaining off the roads and commuters across Delhi continuing to face long waits for public transport.More than 3,000 of the nearly 6,000 buses were reportedly off the roads, according to figures cited by the protesting union. The DTC Karamchari Ekta Union has claimed that the disruption has affected more than 5,000 buses from a fleet of over 6,500.With buses remaining parked at several depots, commuters have been forced to depend on the Metro, autos and e-rickshaws. Bus stops in several parts of the city have seen long queues and extended waiting times.
The strike continued despite transport minister Pankaj Singh’s appeal on Thursday to drivers to return to work. Singh said most of their demands had been accepted and that the remaining issue of a salary hike would be taken up after consultation with the labour department.The protesting drivers, however, said they would continue their strike until a concrete solution was reached.The union has demanded a daily remuneration of Rs 2,000 for drivers, conductors and other employees, medical facilities, annual bonus, payment for government holidays, casual and earned leave, insurance cover and equal remuneration for equal work.The minister said medical insurance had been agreed upon, while coverage for family members was being considered. He also said four days off should be provided and that a proposal on a salary hike had been sent to the labour department.Drivers at several depots, including Rani Khera, Rajghat, Nehru Place, Burari, Wazirpur, Ghumanhera and Sarita Vihar, have been participating in the strike.
