WORK at the city’s Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) could be affected starting Monday as the Motor Vehicle Department Employees Union, Maharashtra State (a recognised body) has announced that it will launch an indefinite chain hunger strike on October 27, at the office of the transport commissioner to protest against the administration’s continued neglect of their long-pending demands.

According to the union’s general secretary Surendra Saratape, the decision follows the administration’s failure to implement assurances repeatedly given by senior officials and the transport minister. “The main demand concerns the retrospective implementation of the approved departmental structure and promotions to all vacant posts. The union stated that despite maintaining restraint for the past three years, the department has not conducted a single round of promotions. Over 70 employees have retired without promotion, and the promised in-service progression scheme has remained inactive,” Sartape told mid-day.com.