A large number of DIMTS/ Cluster bus contract conductors, under the banner of AICCTU, held a protest at the Delhi Labour Commissioner’s Office on February 27 against illegal job terminations and the continued denial of basic labour rights. Thousands of contract conductors working in Cluster/DIMTS buses have been ensuring the smooth functioning of Delhi’s public transport system for years. Many of them have been rendering continuous service for 10–15 years. However, the various private companies operating these contracts, along with DIMTS, have consistently denied contract workers their rightful benefits such as leave, bonuses, overtime wages, and equal pay for equal work.
All contract conductors have continued to serve the public despite rising pollution levels, risking their health on Delhi’s roads. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they performed their duties without interruption. In Delhi’s extreme heat and cold—when many hesitate to step outside—these workers have endured harsh weather conditions and continued to carry out their responsibilities with dedication.
At a time when the government should have announced their regularisation and ensured equal pay, the Delhi government has instead moved toward terminating the jobs of DIMTS contract employees. From April onwards, the Delhi government has decided to bring DIMTS bus operations under the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). However, no policy or decision has been announced regarding the absorption of contract workers into DTC.
For the past several days, Cluster/DIMTS contract conductors have been attempting to raise their demands before the Delhi government in light of reports of impending job losses. The government has failed to address their concerns. Instead, peaceful protests by workers are being suppressed by the police and management.
The protesting conductors demanded an immediate halt to illegal job terminations, the absorption of all existing contract conductors into DTC and the guarantee of basic labour rights. They declared that the struggle will continue until justice is secured for thousands of workers who have kept Delhi’s public transport running for years.
