VIJAYAWADA: Finally, the Department of Labour has decided to conduct elections to find the recognised union in the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) at 128 bus depots across the State on August 9.
Elections through postal ballot will be conducted on August 13 and 14. This is the second polls after the State bifurcation to find the recognised union in the APSRTC. As per norms, officials and supervisors of the corporation will stay away from voting.
In February 2016, National Mazdoor Union (NMU) emerged victorious in the elections by polling 709 votes, defeating the Employees Union (EU). The two-year tenure of the NMU completed in March. In all, nine unions in the Corporation — NMU (the recognised union now), EU, YSR RTC Union, Staff and Workers Federation (SWF), APSRTC Karmika Parishat affiliated to ruling TDP, Staff and Workers Union (SWU), Karmik Sangh, Rashtriya Mazdoor Federation (RMF) and Rashtriya Karmika Union (RKU) will participate in the elections.
Though several unions are contesting, NMU, EU and SWF are the main players. A week ago, the EU has allied with SWF to contest the elections in 17 regions across the State. The EU will extend support to the SWF in three regions, including Nellore operation and non-operation regions and West Godavari region. However, the SWF will support EU in all the regions for the elections. The EU leaders are likely to hold discussions with TNTUC and YSRTUC seeking their support.
EU additional general secretary P Damodar alleged that NMU had utterly failed in holding discussions with the government for the employees’ cause.
In a nutshell
Aug 13, 14
Election through postal ballot
50,000 Employees in 128 bus depots can vote
54,489 total number of employees
July 23
The unions should submit their objections regarding the voters' list.