Employees of all four State Road Transport Corporations (RTCs) in Karnataka have announced that they will go on an indefinite strike from August 5, halting bus services across the State. The Joint Action Committee of Workers’ Unions made the announcement, citing the government’s continued neglect of their long-pending demands.
In a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the unions criticised the government for ignoring transport workers’ grievances, including the release of pending arrears, pay revision, and timely promotions. “Despite repeated calls for strikes, the government only holds meetings and promises resolutions in a few days or months, but nothing changes,” said H. V. Ananth Subbarao, president of the KSRTC Staff and Workers’ Federation.
Among their key demands, the unions have sought an increase in various staff allowances, improved medical facilities, and regularisation of drivers and technical staff currently hired on a contract basis. They have also urged that only permanent corporation drivers be deployed to operate electric buses, not contract staff.
The union leaders argued that transport workers had played a vital role in implementing welfare schemes like the ‘Shakti Scheme’, which has generated goodwill and revenue for the government. “Despite our contribution, the government has completely ignored us,” Mr. Subbarao said.
Published – July 16, 2025 08:22 pm IST
