Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday issued a stern warning to employees of state-run road transport corporations, cautioning them against participating in the statewide bus strike scheduled for Wednesday. He stated that disciplinary action would be initiated against those who abstain from duty.
Background of the Strike
The warning comes after the joint action committee (JAC) of transport unions decided to proceed with the agitation over demands for wage revision. Explaining the government’s stance, Reddy said salary revisions for transport corporation employees are typically undertaken once every four years. However, the revision due during the Covid-19 period was deferred by the previous BJP regime, he claimed.
Government's Position on Wage Revision
According to the minister, the BJP government implemented a wage revision in 2023 with prospective effect, under which the next salary revision is scheduled only for 2027. He said unions are opposing this framework and demanding retrospective implementation of the wage hike.
Reddy noted that after the Congress government assumed office, several rounds of discussions were held with union representatives. “Taking into account the financial condition of transport corporations, the government decided to prepone the wage revision to April 1, 2025, effectively advancing it by two years,” he said.
Despite this concession, unions insisted the revised pay structure be implemented from January 1, 2024. The minister maintained that the government had taken “proactive and financially calibrated measures,” but alleged that unions are unwilling to arrive at a consensus.
Union's Argument
Transport unions, however, argued that the government’s stand violated established wage revision norms and deprived employees of nearly 15 months of salary benefits.
Management's Response
Transport corporation managements warned employees against participating in the strike, directing all depots to operate services as scheduled and enforce “no work, no pay” rules for absentees.
An official said the government has invoked provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), prohibiting KSRTC and BMTC staff from joining the strike. Officials said bus services are essential, and participation in the strike will invite disciplinary action.
KSRTC management has sent messages to the mobile numbers of employees as well as trainees, urging them not to join the strike. The corporation has 14,000 trainee bus crew and over 7,000 outsourced staff.
