Karnataka Bus Strike From May 20? Over 1.25 Lac KSRTC, BMTC Staff May Join Protest; Check Services To Be Hit

Commuters across Karnataka may face major travel disruptions from May 20, as transport unions representing employees of state-run bus corporations have announced an indefinite statewide strike beginning at 6 AM on Wednesday if the Karnataka government fails to meet their demands.

The Karnataka bus strike call has been issued by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), which represents employees and workers of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.

If the strike proceeds as planned, both city and intercity bus services across Karnataka could be severely impacted, affecting lakhs of daily passengers.

Why Karnataka Transport Workers Are Going On Strike?

According to union leaders, the indefinite protest is being planned after multiple rounds of discussions with Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and the state government reportedly failed to resolve key labour-related issues.

The Joint Action Committee claims the government has not adequately addressed long-pending salary revisions, allowances and employee welfare demands.

One of the primary demands raised by the transport unions is a 25% salary hike with retrospective effect from January 1, 2024. Workers are also demanding payment of pending salary arrears, which, according to reports, remain unpaid for periods ranging between 26 and 38 months.
Apart from salary-related demands, employees are also asking for increased daily allowances and grocery allowances, scientific revision of Form-4 duty schedules and immediate compensation to the families of transport workers who died during the COVID-19 pandemic.\

Which Bus Services Could Be Affected In Karnataka?

If the Karnataka bus strike begins on May 20, services across all four major Karnataka transport corporations are expected to face disruption.
This includes KSRTC bus services, BMTC bus services in Bengaluru, NWKRTC bus operations and the KKRTC bus services.

The impact could be particularly severe in Bengaluru, where lakhs of commuters rely daily on BMTC buses for office, college and local travel.
Intercity and long-distance travel services connecting Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, Kalaburagi and other districts may also experience major disruption.

Over 1 Lakh Transport Workers May Join Strike

Reports suggest that more than 1.25 lakh employees and staff members across Karnataka's transport corporations could participate in the protest.

If implemented fully, the strike could temporarily ground a large portion of Karnataka's public bus transport system, increasing pressure on private buses, taxis, autos, metro rail and suburban train services.

Daily commuters, office workers, students and travellers are advised to make alternate travel arrangements in advance in case the Karnataka bus strike proceeds.