Buses to run on Wednesday after transport employees’ union backs off from strike

BENGALURU: With just hours left for the strike called by transport employees against the government to begin, a section of the employees have stood firm, insisting that they will not call off the strike under any circumstances unless their demands are met, and have continued their resolve to go ahead with the protest.

On the other hand, if the employees refuse to be persuaded, the government has moved towards making alternative arrangements and is preparing to counter the employees with a Plan B.

#WATCH | Bengaluru | On strike called by Joint Action Committee (JAC) of trade unions, Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy says, “Many meetings have happened between Unions and our Chief Minister, with me, and also with MDs. We have told them our stand, but they have not accepted… pic.twitter.com/SW2abjl3i5

— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2026

The government will hold a meeting and try to persuade the employees to give up the strike. If they don’t agree, the transport corporation will deploy contract employees and trainee drivers. The government plans to utilise a total of 8,000-10,000 trainee staff across the four corporations.

The government may also seek cooperation from private bus owners to operate buses. It also operations by persuading staff who are on the verge of retirement and also pressure staff who have given written undertakings not to participate in the strike.