THRISSUR: The KSRTC has suspended seven Scania multi-axle bus drivers in Thrissur KSRTC depot for not joining duty and refusing to operate services on Wednesday. The drivers kept away from work after raising issues related to driving of Scania buses. On Thursday, KSRTC employees will observe a fast at the Thrissur KSRTC depot seeking withdrawal of the suspension. Two of the drivers were suspended for not reporting for duty and five for refusing to operate services.
The drivers had refused to join duty citing inconvenience in duty time. The drivers said the workload while operating Scania buses is heavy compared to the superfast and express buses. They said they are not getting enough rest.
The Scania bus drivers in Thrissur depot had been on protest mode from October 5 seeking more time to rest. Earlier, the drivers were operating superfast and express buses. The bus drivers are demanding one off for three duties. But the management said that the demand of the drivers cannot be accepted.
Usually in Scania bus services starting from Thiruvananthapuram to Mangaluru and Mysuru, new drivers take charge at Thrissur depot. “Earlier in superfast and express services, duty adjustment had taken place. But in Scania services, duty adjustment cannot be done,” said KSRTC officials.