Karnataka Transport Unions Urged to Delay Strike Amidst Conciliation

The Karnataka High Court requested state-run transport unions to delay their strike to permit ongoing discussions between union representatives and the Chief Minister. The strike, set for August 5, stems from unresolved wage revisions. A Joint Action Committee demands salary adjustments and arrears for state transport employees.

The Karnataka High Court on Monday requested state-run transport unions to delay their planned strike by a day, giving room for ongoing discussions between union representatives and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to reach a conclusion.

Originally scheduled for August 5, the proposed strike stems from unmet demands regarding wage revisions. The Division Bench questioned the government during a recent hearing, highlighting concerns over the long-standing negligence of drivers' and conductors' interests.

Government counsel and representatives of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) told the court that a Joint Action Committee had declared the strike even as conciliation proceedings were underway. The committee's demands include a salary revision effective from January 1, 2024, and pending arrears for 38 months, with the revised pay structure to remain in effect until December 31, 2027.