Transport corporation staff threaten strike from Thursday, services may be hit

BENGALURU: Employees of the transport corporations in the sate are gearing up for a massive protest against the government on Thursday, with plans to begin a sit-in at Freedom Park from the morning. The employees, who will report to work as usual in the morning, have warned of an official strike if their demands are not met by 4 pm tomorrow.

The Joint Action Committee of Transport Employees has given a deadline to the government to respond to their demands, failing which they will launch an indefinite strike. The employees are demanding the release of 38 months’ salary arrears from January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2023, and a four-year wage agreement from January 1, 2024.

The KSRTC, BMTC and KKRTC managements have warned employees of disciplinary action, including “no work, no pay” rules, if they participate in the strike. The managements has also asked employees to report to work and warned of strict action if they join the protest. The managements have even threatened to take action under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).

The government has called for a meeting with the employees’ union, with Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stating that they will try to resolve the issue through talks. He has also directed KSRTC MD Aslam Pasha to hold talks with the unions. However, the employees are firm on their decision to protest, saying that they have been forced to take this step due to the government’s inaction.

The protest is expected to disrupt public transport, and passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly. The employees’ union has distributed pamphlets to passengers, explaining their demands and seeking their support. The employees’ union has also appealed to the public to support their cause, stating that their demands are genuine and that they are not just fighting for themselves, but for the welfare of the public as well.

Some of the key demands of the transport employees:

– Release of 38 months’ salary arrears from January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2023
– A four-year wage agreement from January 1, 2024
– Improvement in working conditions and benefits for employees
– Withdrawal of the “no work, no pay” rules and ESMA
– No disciplinary action against employees participating in the strike

The situation is tense, with the government and the employees’ union digging in their heels and it remains to be seen whether the government will give in to the employees’ demands or whether the employees will have to continue their agitation.

The transport employees’ unions have warned that if their demands are not met, they will continue their agitation and disrupt public transport until their demands are met.