KSRTC is set to implement single duty system across all depots in the state from April 1. Last year, the KSRTC revised its schedules depending on revenue. As a result, single duty, one and half duty and double duty patterns were introduced. However, later the High Court directed the KSRTC management to change the duty pattern as per provisions of Motor Transport Workers Act 1961 and Kerala Motor Vehicle Workers Rules 1962.
The Act had provisions for a single duty pattern. The staff will have to work for eight hours in a single shift, under this pattern. In the first phase, only ordinary and city fast schedules will be converted to single duty pattern. Later, other services will follow. As per the present system, crew of ordinary bus can earn double duty on days when collection exceeded Rs 12,000.
KSRTC has directed the unit officers to implement single duty system for staff working in ordinary and city fast passenger buses. In the first phase, only ordinary and city fast schedules will be converted, later the fast passengers and schedules of KURTC buses are planned to be converted to single duty pattern.
Meanwhile, trade union affiliated to CITU has launched a protest against this decision at chief office of KSRTC in Transport Bhavan, East Fort, as the system will limit the number of leaves. Previously, the operation staff would work continuously for two single duties to avail leave.
