Karnataka bus workers' strike: What are their demands? Salary hike, arrears, DA increase, explained

Unions of Karnataka bus workers have called for a strike tomorrow, 20 May, to push their demands — from a salary hike and pay arrears to a dearness allowance (DA) increase, according to a report by PTI.

As per the report, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of road transport corporation workers' unions in Karnataka has called for an indefinite state-wide bus strike from Wednesday if their demands are not met.

Salary hike, arrears, DA increase — what are the demands?

• The main demand being pushed is for a 25% salary hike for bus workers, retrospectively, with effect from 1 January 2024.

• Notably, the state government has offered a 12.5% hike effective from 1 April 2025, which the unions have rejected.
• They are also demanding full arrears settlement.
• While the government has agreed to pay arrears for 26 months, employees are demanding payment for the full 38 months, amounting to ₹1,272 crore in a single instalment.
• The workers also seek a merger of 31% DA component in basic pay, along with increases in daily bata (wages) and other allowances.

Union representatives say there may be another round of talks

Negotiations were held at the Labour Commissioner's office on 18 May, after which JAC member Vijay Bhaskar told reporters that there may be another round of talks with state Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, and even CM Siddaramaiah.

“Let's see what happens. We explained the developments so far in the meeting. The management also reiterated its stand. It requested that the strike be postponed, considering ongoing examinations, and suggested deferring it until 25 May, the date fixed for the next meeting. We did not accept this and rejected it categorically,” Vijay Bhaskar said.

He added that the strike was not sudden and that due notice had been given as per rules. “There is still time until May 20. We are ready. The government should call a meeting at the level of the transport minister and the CM and resolve the demands amicably so that the strike can be avoided. If the government tries to delay or postpone discussions, we will not accept it,” he said.

Responding to questions about a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the high court against the strike, Vijay Bhaskar said, “We will deal with it legally in court”, adding that the unions are open to discussions at any time if the government initiates talk.

Which are the unions participating?

Workers from four state-run transport corporations — the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), and the North-West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) — expected to participate in the strike call.

If it takes effect, the strike will likely severely disrupt bus services across the state of Karnataka, it added.

However, KSRTC Managing Director Akram Pasha yesterday said employees who participated in the strike would face disciplinary action for absenteeism and warned of “no work, no pay”.

Further, in a circular issued to senior and divisional controlling officers, Pasha said the proposed strike called by the JAC is “impermissible” under existing legal provisions governing essential public utility services, the report added.

He was referring to the Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act (KESMA), 2013, after the state government brought the services of the state road transport corporations under it.

(With inputs from PTI)

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