The national working committee meeting of the All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation (AIRTWF) convened in Thiruvananthapuram on February 27-28. During the meeting, members unanimously agreed to focus their efforts on defeating the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming general elections.
The committee reviewed the challenges faced by workers in the road transport sector, particularly in light of the policies introduced by the Modi government since 2014. The government’s push for the Road Safety Bill, now known as the MV Act Amendment 2019, aimed at privatizing the sector and imposing burdensome regulations on Regional Transport Corporations (RTCs). This, coupled with rising diesel prices, insurance premiums, and toll charges, has pushed the industry into a state of crisis.
Additionally, unorganized workers in the road transport sector lack basic labor rights and social security benefits. They have long advocated for the enactment of a Social Security Act to protect their interests, but their pleas have gone unanswered.
App-based companies like Uber and Ola have further exacerbated the situation by exploiting drivers and customers for substantial profits. Despite calls for the government to introduce an alternative app to regulate the industry, no action has been taken.
In response to the government’s Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita-2023, which increased penalties and imprisonment durations for drivers, the AIRTWF organized a strike on January 1-2, 2024. While negotiations have been initiated, there is uncertainty surrounding the withdrawal of the draconian provisions.
In light of these challenges, the national working committee has resolved to oppose the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming elections and has outlined key demands for the government, including the repeal of the MV Act Amendment 2019, the enactment of a Social Security Act for unorganized workers, and regulation of diesel prices and toll charges.
Furthermore, the committee has called for the development of an alternative app by the government, making the vehicle scrapping policy optional, and strengthening regional transport corporations. By advocating for these policy changes, the AIRTWF aims to safeguard the rights and interests of road transport workers nationwide.
Historically, the road transport sector in India has played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and connectivity across the country. However, the challenges faced by workers in the industry highlight the need for comprehensive labor reforms and policy interventions to support their livelihoods and ensure their well-being.
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