Karnataka Road Transport Workers Gear Up for Statewide Strike

The Karnataka road transport workers' unions have announced an indefinite bus strike from May 20, demanding a 25% salary increase, effective January 2024. Despite discussions with authorities, no agreement was reached. Additional demands include arrears payment and increased allowances, potentially disrupting state transport services.

In Karnataka, a major bus strike has been announced by the joint action committee of road transport corporation workers' unions, scheduled to commence on May 20.

The workers are pressing for a 25% salary increase effective from January 2024. Despite multiple discussions involving Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the negotiations remain unresolved. Jyothi Ananthasubba Rao, head of the KSRTC staff and workers' federation, indicated the prolonged delay in pay revision as the impetus for the strike, asserting that the onus of public inconvenience lies with the government.

Other union demands include immediate payment of 26 months' salary arrears amounting to Rs 1,272 crore, along with enhanced daily allowances. With participation expected from workers across four major transport corporations, statewide bus services may face significant disruption.