KSRTC Strikes: A Clash Over Wage Demands

KSRTC Managing Director Akram Pasha advised against joining the proposed strike for wage revision, warning of disciplinary actions. The strike, deemed illegal under Karnataka's laws, was organized by the Joint Action Committee. Employees are urged to report to work to maintain public service trust.

On Monday, Akram Pasha, the Managing Director of KSRTC, issued a stern warning to the employees of the state-run transport corporations against joining the indefinite strike planned for May 20. He cited a policy of 'no work, no pay' and potential disciplinary actions for those who participate in the walkout.

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) staff has threatened a strike due to unmet demands for wage revision. The Joint Action Committee's strike call was marked as illegal under the current legal framework for essential public utility services, according to a circular by Pasha.

The circular emphasized that the Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act (KESMA), 2013, prohibits such strikes. It directed employees to fulfill their duties without interruption and announced that no leaves would be approved for the strike period unless absolutely necessary. Absentees will face salary deductions and disciplinary actions, aligning with a 2004 High Court ruling.