Delhi government consults labour department over DTC driver strike

Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh has directed officials to consult the labour department regarding the wage demands of striking Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) drivers. The strike, which has lasted six days, involves drivers employed by private companies contracted to operate the city’s electric buses.

The protesters are demanding increased daily wages, the implementation of a basic dearness allowance (DA), medical facilities, and overtime pay. Currently, drivers and conductors report receiving Rs 862 per day, with Rs 60 deducted for provident funds.

The DTC Karamachari Ekta Union has threatened a full ‘kaam band’ agitation starting September 28 if demands are not met. The union is calling for the immediate implementation of the basic DA and for private drivers to be moved directly onto the DTC payroll. The government stated it is seeking a solution to mitigate passenger discomfort caused by the ongoing industrial action.