Travel operators want employees to return to offices

Travel operators who had contracts with companies within the IT sector and different company homes in Bengaluru to ferry employees have approached the Karnataka authorities to direct firms to encourage workers to work from workplace.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and Deputy Chief Minister Dr. C.N. Ashwath Narayan, who can be Minister for IT&BT, the Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association stated that work at home possibility has badly affected their funds. They identified that contract staff, reminiscent of housekeeping workers, safety personnel, caterers and people within the hospitality business, have additionally taken successful with most employees persevering with to work at home.

Krishnamurthy, who has been operating an worker transport service for 25 years in Bengaluru, stated that operators like him have invested crores in autos to meet the rising demand from the company sector. “Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 1.5 lakh vehicles provided transport services to employees in Bengaluru. Today, most of them are without work and income. But even without any revenue, owners are forced to pay tax, insurance premium and EMIs,” he stated.

Many operators declare they’re not able to repay loans. “Our drivers and other employees have gone back to their hometowns. They want to come back but we are not in a position to offer them work. Even if 50% of the workforce return to office, it will help many sectors like ours,” Mr. Krishnamurthy stated.

Radhakrishna Holla, president of the affiliation, stated the scenario is dire. “Thousands of people have lost their jobs. We want the Karnataka government to come to our aid by directing companies to shift from work-from-home to work-from-office. In the previous guidelines brought out by the Karnataka government, there is no mention of continuation of work from home option. Our survival is at stake,” he stated.