Karnataka bus employees announce indefinite strike

Commuters planning to travel during the upcoming festival season may face major disruptions, as employees of all four government-run transport corporations in Karnataka — BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC — have called for an indefinite strike starting August 5.

The strike has been announced in protest against the state government’s delay in revising employee salaries. Workers allege that despite assurances given during peace talks held after a similar protest call on December 31 last year, no progress has been made on the salary revision issue for the past six months. Transport employee unions have issued official strike notices to the corporations and warned that if their demands are not met, the strike will go ahead as planned, affecting thousands of daily commuters across the state.

In anticipation of the strike, the state government has begun preparing contingency measures. A crucial meeting is being held today at 12 PM at the Shantinagar transport office in Bengaluru under the leadership of Transport Commissioner Yogesh. The meeting will include private bus operators as the government looks to engage them in providing alternative transportation services.

Authorities have assured the public that efforts are being made to minimize inconvenience. However, with state-run buses potentially staying off the roads from Tuesday, passengers are advised to make alternative travel arrangements in advance.