Transport employees’ unions put off strike after high court warns of contempt

BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court, which is hearing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the transport strike in the state, on Tuesday expressed displeasure over the strike and warned the transport union leaders of contempt of court proceedings if the strike is not put off.

The Advocate General (AG) Kiran Shetty informed the court that negotiations are under way between the government and the transport unions under the Industrial Disputes Act. The court questioned the progress of these negotiations and asked the government to provide details of the discussions held so far.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakru and Justice C M Joshi warned the transport corporation employees’ unions lawyers about contempt of court.

The court has directed the transport unions to provide information on whether the strike has been called off by tomorrow. If not, the court will initiate contempt proceedings against the union leadaers. The court also warned that if the strike continues, the government can take action under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).

The court has extended its interim order, restraining the strike for two more days, and has adjourned the hearing to August 7.

The transport unions’ lawyer informed the court that the strike will not be held today and tomorrow, following the court’s warning. The court emphasized that the strike is causing inconvenience to the public and that the unions should resolve their issues with the government without disrupting public life.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of transport employees held a press conference, where veteran trade union leader Anantha Subba Rao said, “We have postponed the strike based on the advice of our lawyers. We urge all transport employees to report for duty, but our anger will remain until our issues are resolved. We respect the court and will follow the court’s directives”.

“The strike is not called off but only postponed. We will ensure that our employees are not harmed. We need peace at work and the government should call us for negotiations”, he said.

“Employees should not be intimidated. The government has offered 14 months’ arrears, but we want 38 months’ arrears. We won’t budge until negotiations are held. We expect the government to come up with a solution in the next meeting”, Subbarao added.