Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) Maharashtra state unit president Jaiparakash Chajjed on Tuesday gave an ultimatum to the MSRTC to resolve the long-pending issues of ST workers at the earliest or face serious agitation from May one.

He was talking to newsmen during his visit here to participate in the Chetana Andolan, undertaken by the ST workers. The Andolan which began on April 4, will last upto April 14 in all depots at the district and taluka levels in the state.

Chajjed, who also heads Mahrashtra ST workers Congress, alleged that the Corporation was not giving wages as per the Minimum Wages Act to the workers who have been recruited in the recent past.

"They are considered as junior workers. As of now there are more than 3,87,000 junior workers who are not enjoying minimum wages. The Corporation is bound to follow the Act and the union had taken up this issue at different levels. Despite this if the practice then we will be left with no alternative other than to take to legal recourse," he said.

He also said that the other demand was relating to the decision of opening up all the cases involving accidents where in concerned drivers have already undergone punishment.

"This is uncalled for. As it is there is a shortage of drivers in the fleet and if drivers are dismissed this will further add to the problems and also lower the morale of the workers," Chajjed said.

He said workers will hold agitation for their demands on May 1 and 3.