Transfers of ‘Those’ drivers and conductors outside division stayed

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The Industrial Court stayed the transfers of 27 conductors and drivers from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna divisions of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation to other Marathwada divisions such as Latur, Dharashiv and Parbhani. The stay has been granted by Industrial Court member S. D. Suryawanshi until the final outcome of the original complaint, on February 3, 2026.

The court has also directed that all 27 conductors and drivers be allowed to work at their original depots and be paid their full earned wages.

According to the order, the transfer directive violates the corporation’s circular dated July 15, 2025. It appears that the decision was taken in retaliation and amounts to an unfair labour practice while an inquiry into the formation of a WhatsApp group by the employees was still underway.

What is the case about?

Disciplinary action was initiated against employees, primarily conductors and drivers from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna divisions, for creating a WhatsApp group. While a departmental inquiry was in progress, the regional manager issued transfer orders on July 15, 2025, relocating the 27 employees to divisions including Latur, Dharashiv and Parbhani, followed by relieving orders on July 22, 2025.

The transfer orders were challenged in the Industrial Court, Aurangabad, under the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act by regional and divisional secretary Babasaheb Kisanrao Salunke of the Maharashtra State Transport Workers’ union through advocates Pradip Shahane and Parag Shahane.