KSRTC and BMTC Workers Announce Indefinite Strike from May 20, Bus Services Under Threat

Bengaluru, May 2: The transport buses that serve as the lifeline of Karnataka's common people may not ply from May 20. The Joint Action Committee of Transport Employees has announced an indefinite strike beginning 6 AM on May 20, demanding fulfilment of long-pending wage and allowance demands. The standoff between transport workers and the Congress government has intensified once again.

Around 1.25 lakh workers across all four state transport corporations — KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC — are expected to participate in the strike, bringing bus services across the state to a halt. The Joint Action Committee held a press conference today to announce the decision and outline the path forward.

Key Demands of Transport Workers

• Wage arrears: Immediate payment of pending 38 months of wage arrears
• Wage hike: 25% increase in basic pay effective January 1, 2024
• DA merger: Merger of 31% Dearness Allowance into basic pay
• Lump-sum payment: Release of ₹1,272 crore (26 months of arrears the government has agreed to) in a single installment
• Other allowances: Increase in bata and other allowances, and payment of COVID-period arrears

12 Rounds of Failed Talks

Twelve rounds of negotiations chaired by the Chief Minister and the Transport Minister have all ended without resolution. The government has offered to clear only 26 months of arrears, while workers are holding firm on the full 38 months. Unions have condemned the government's stance and warned they will not abandon the agitation until all demands are met.

In the past, the government has repeatedly convinced workers to call off planned strikes at the last minute through negotiations — but the underlying demands have never been fulfilled, leaving workers deeply frustrated.

"From now on, no more talks — only settlement," JAC leaders declared. "Drivers will stay home and not touch steering wheels. Conductors will not tear tickets. Maintenance staff will not pick up their spanners." The committee also warned that if the public faces inconvenience, the responsibility lies entirely with the government, not with the workers.

Whether the government will meet the workers' demands or allow the strike to proceed will become clear before May 20.

Report: Nataraja, TV9 Bengaluru