Transport services in Karnataka likely to be hit as transport employees call for indefinite strike from March 24

In a move that could affect lakhs of bus passengers across Karnataka, especially in the current exam season, a section of employees of four state-run bus corporations have decided to go on an indefinite strike from March 24.

Four registered transport unions of KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC under the banner of 'Sarige Nigmagala Noukarara Samana Manaskara Vedike' on March 8 submitted a strike notice to the state labour commissioner. "We have decided to call for an indefinite strike from March 24 until our demands are met," said Union leader Chandrashekar.

Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is the tech capital's lifeline and operates 5,567 buses daily. On average, BMTC carries 28 lakh passengers daily, including on Vajra (tech corridors) and Vayu Vajra routes (airport services).

In April 2021, transport employees went on a 15-day strike to demand a number of changes, including salary revision. With state elections just around the corner, this strike call by transport employees could be a hurdle for the BJP-led state government, as the state is primarily dependent on bus transportation.

The major demands of the transport employees are: salary revision, increase in allowances, medical facilities, reinstatement of employees dismissed during the April 2021 strike, implementation of shift system, stopping contract recruitment and filling vacancies.

Road Transport Corporation officials said they had issued an order on December 29, 2022 under the Karnataka Essential Services Management Act, 2013 asking transport employees not to go on strike for six months (January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023).