Public transport across Karnataka came to a standstill on Tuesday morning as employees of Karnataka State Road Corporation declared an indefinite strike. The sudden decision has left thousands of daily commuters stranded.
The employees are demanding long-pending wage revision and salary arrears and the strike has been called despite an interim stay issued by the Karnataka high court.
Several passengers were looking for alternatives as bus services were either suspended or severely limited in major cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru.
There were long queues and overcrowding at major bus stands. However, in districts like Gadag, not a single NWKRTC bus operated out of the daily fleet of over 500.
Private buses were overcrowded, while demand for cabs and autorickshaws also spiked up. Many passengers in Bengaluru and other cities complained about hiked autorickshaw prices. Commuters also criticised the state government for not addressing the issue sooner, even as disruption intensified.
The employees had raised concerns on the finer points of clearing arrears and salary revision. The Joint Action Committee of Transport Unions is unhappy because two of their key demands have not been met. This includes payment of 38 months' pending salary arrears (totaling Rs 1,785 crore) and a 25 per cent pay hike starting from January 1, 2024.
The strike follows the breakdown of negotiations between the Joint Action Committee of trade unions and the government. Employees are demanding clearance of 38 months' salary arrears and a wage revision effective from January 1, 2024. The government, however, has offered to settle only 14 months of dues, citing a one-man committee's recommendation.
The government has warned of disciplinary action. KSRTC MD Akram Pasha said circulars enforcing a 'no work, no pay' policy have already been issued and that transport is an essential service under the Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act. BMTC MD R Ramachandran added, "Since BMTC provides essential services, employees are urged to not take part in the strike."
Meanwhile, the high court bench had expressed concern over the prolonged delay in wage payments and questioned the state on its handling of the issue.
KSRTC carries over 1.1 crore people everyday, with 40 lakh people using the BMTC services in Bengaluru alone. The impact of the strike has been widespread.
The situation remains tense, with uncertainty over how long the strike will last and whether the state will step in with a revised offer or harsher action.
The employees are demanding long-pending wage revision and salary arrears and the strike has been called despite an interim stay issued by the Karnataka high court.
Several passengers were looking for alternatives as bus services were either suspended or severely limited in major cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru.
There were long queues and overcrowding at major bus stands. However, in districts like Gadag, not a single NWKRTC bus operated out of the daily fleet of over 500.
Private buses were overcrowded, while demand for cabs and autorickshaws also spiked up. Many passengers in Bengaluru and other cities complained about hiked autorickshaw prices. Commuters also criticised the state government for not addressing the issue sooner, even as disruption intensified.
The employees had raised concerns on the finer points of clearing arrears and salary revision. The Joint Action Committee of Transport Unions is unhappy because two of their key demands have not been met. This includes payment of 38 months' pending salary arrears (totaling Rs 1,785 crore) and a 25 per cent pay hike starting from January 1, 2024.
The strike follows the breakdown of negotiations between the Joint Action Committee of trade unions and the government. Employees are demanding clearance of 38 months' salary arrears and a wage revision effective from January 1, 2024. The government, however, has offered to settle only 14 months of dues, citing a one-man committee's recommendation.
The government has warned of disciplinary action. KSRTC MD Akram Pasha said circulars enforcing a 'no work, no pay' policy have already been issued and that transport is an essential service under the Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act. BMTC MD R Ramachandran added, "Since BMTC provides essential services, employees are urged to not take part in the strike."
Meanwhile, the high court bench had expressed concern over the prolonged delay in wage payments and questioned the state on its handling of the issue.
KSRTC carries over 1.1 crore people everyday, with 40 lakh people using the BMTC services in Bengaluru alone. The impact of the strike has been widespread.
The situation remains tense, with uncertainty over how long the strike will last and whether the state will step in with a revised offer or harsher action.
