After five months of talks, negotiations and legal wranglings, only 50 per cent of striking MSRTC staff are back at work. The state has now warned of strict action against those who fail to return. It could be suspension, dismissal or termination of service. Maharashtra Transport Minister Anil Parab has now warned that they will initiate action “as per the rules”.

However, on Monday, he also said that MSRTC would take back all employees who have joined work before March 31 and reverse all the earlier actions taken.