A significant labor dispute is unfolding within the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), as the Kerala State Road Transport Employees Association (KSRTEA), a powerful union affiliated with CITU, has openly rebelled against what it terms “unscientific service modernization.” The union’s leadership alleges that KSRTC management has drastically cut staff duties in its superclass bus services without any prior consultation or discussion with the employees.
Adding fuel to the fire, the management’s decision to terminate the contracts of 125 “Badali” employees – temporary contract workers – starting from April 2025 has further escalated tensions. This move directly prompted the KSRTEA to confront both the KSRTC leadership and the Transport Minister. On a recent Wednesday, the association organized extensive protests across Kerala, unequivocally demanding the immediate restoration of service duties and the reinstatement of all terminated contract workers.
Despite the association formally submitting a letter to the management urging them to revoke these contentious decisions, KSRTC officials have yet to respond. This isn’t the first time the corporation has faced such an impasse; during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, KSRTC had previously dismissed contract employees, a decision that led to a prolonged 92-day day-and-night strike by the KSRTEA, ultimately forcing the corporation to re-employ them.
A Bleak Outlook for Older Workers
Honey Balachandran, the general secretary of the KSRTEA, highlighted the particularly harsh impact of the latest terminations, stating that no justifiable reasons were provided for the dismissals. She further pointed out that the majority of those affected are over 50 years old, with many being women, widows, and individuals with disabilities. For this vulnerable demographic, the prospects of securing alternative employment at this stage of their careers appear exceedingly slim, amplifying the urgency and desperation behind the union’s demands.