Drivers’ protest at depot disrupts electric AC bus services in Bengaluru

Electric AC bus services operating from Katriguppe depot in south Bengaluru were disrupted for nearly three hours Wednesday morning after drivers employed by a private operator staged a protest demanding better pay and improved working conditions.

OHM Global Mobility operates around 70 electric AC buses from the depot. The protest affected bus services till 9am.

The drivers alleged they receive a daily incentive of Rs 100 less than drivers employed by the same company at other depots. They also complained of disparities in incentive payments and said their working hours were longer due to charging-related issues with electric buses.

A BMTC official said apart from a monthly salary of Rs 23,000, the private operator provides incentives for working a specified number of days in a month, completing scheduled trips and meeting other performance targets. However, the protesting drivers alleged those deployed at other depots receive higher incentives.

In a press release, BMTC said chief traffic manager (operations) Anthony George met the protesting drivers. The private operator informed BMTC officials that salaries for July had already been credited and promised that other grievances will be addressed.

Source: The Times of India