Now, Mumbai autos want to enter city

The newly set up Maharashtra Transport Federation, an umbrella trade union of unorganised transport workers, including auto and taxi drivers have demanded that automen in the city be given the status of "public servants" and that they should be entitled to all benefits that of government employee, including pensions.

Calling an auto strike on August 9, the federation has said that a large number of autos will participate in a rally from Dahisar to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Mulund to BKC, demadning that autos be allowed to be plied in south Mumbai too.

The federatation has also demanded that it should be taken into confidence while fixing the tariff hike and prices of essential commodities in the past 12 months should be taken into consideration while fixing tariff.

Addressing a press conference, federation leader Sharad Rao said that there are several demands of transport workers and drivers. These drivers should be treated at par with railway motormen and given restrooms and all benefits applicable to a government servant.

The government should also think of setting up a welfare fund for these people in the transport sector and waive off taxes that are currently applicable to them. "Illegal operations of buses and trucks should be curbed immediately as they affect genuine operators in a big way," he added. He said a huge rally would be taken on August 2 to highlight all these demands.