DTC contract drivers threaten to intensify stir on September 28

The Karamchari Ekta Union of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) wrote to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Monday, warning that the ongoing strike by drivers would be intensified on September 28 if their demands are not met. 

Drivers engaged through private agencies for the DTC have been on strike since September 15, demanding a “basic plus dearness allowance (DA)” salary structure similar to that of government employees, with their daily wage increased to at least ₹2,000 from the existing ₹862. They are also seeking medical insurance, financial assistance in the event of accidents and paid leave. 

“For nearly two years, the Transport Department and the government have withheld the file regarding basic DA for DTC contractual employees. Although the file has received approval from the DTC Board and the Delhi Finance Department, and even has ‘in-principle’ approval, its implementation is being stalled,” said Lalit Chaudhary, president of the DTC Karamchari Ekta Union. 

Calling it an “anti-worker stance”, Mr. Chaudhary said, “The union has decided to hold a protest on September 28 in which contractual drivers, conductors and other employees would participate.” 

Higher pay at Burari 

Drivers at the Burari depot said the management on Monday agreed to pay them up to ₹1,266 a day, besides a monthly incentive of ₹6,000, an attendance incentive of ₹1,500 for working 26 days and one paid leave a month. The ₹6,000 incentive would be paid subject to the management being satisfied with their work, they said. 

“The management of our depot said it is looking into our demands for medical benefits and DA. It has also said it can provide a bonus of up to 8.33%. However, these have not been approved yet,” said Himanshu, a driver at the Burari depot. 

“An offer from just one depot will not address the issues faced by drivers across the city. We will discuss it among ourselves, while the management also has to consider the matter. We also need to speak to the Labour Department,” he added. 

Drivers said they are also in talks with the managements of other depots. 

According to government data for 2024, Delhi had around 4,564 contractual drivers. The DTC Karamchari Ekta Union said the number had since increased to around 6,000. 

Some bus services resumed on Sunday after the Transport Department brought in more than 2,000 former DTC drivers, as well as drivers who had been promoted or deployed to other services, to operate the buses.