KSRTC Staff Announce Indefinite Strike from May 20, Bus Services Likely to Be Hit Across Karnataka
Transport unions call for statewide shutdown after wage talks with government fail
Public transport services across Karnataka could face major disruption from May 20 as employees of state-run road transport corporations have announced an indefinite strike.
The Joint Action Committee representing workers from KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC said the strike will begin at 6 am, bringing bus operations to a standstill if their demands are not met.
The decision comes after discussions between union leaders and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy ended without an agreement. Union representatives expressed disappointment over the outcome, saying the government’s offer fell far short of expectations.
At a press briefing, KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation president Jyothi Ananthasubba Rao said employees had been seeking a 25 percent salary hike with effect from January 2024. However, the government has proposed only a 7 percent increase starting April 1, 2025, which unions have rejected.
She added that repeated appeals to the government have gone unanswered, leaving workers with no option but to protest.
Union leaders also made it clear that any inconvenience faced by the public during the strike would be the responsibility of the government, accusing it of failing to address long standing issues.
Several key union figures, including general secretary DA Vijay Bhaskar and Akhila Karnataka State Road Transport Employees Federation general secretary B Jayadevaraje Urs, were present at the announcement.
Along with wage revision, the unions have placed multiple demands before the government. These include payment of Rs 1,272 crore in pending wage arrears covering a 26 month period in a single instalment. They are also seeking an increase in grocery and other allowances.
In addition, workers have demanded immediate compensation for families of employees who died during the Covid 19 pandemic. They have also called for discussions to resolve administrative concerns such as Form 4 within a month.
With no resolution in sight, commuters across the state may need to prepare for significant travel disruptions if the strike goes ahead as planned.