BENGALURU, 8 MARCH

The Karnataka State Road Transport Employees' Union has issued a stern ultimatum to the state government, announcing plans for an indefinite statewide strike if their longstanding demands, including salary parity with government employees, are not addressed by 22 March. A critical meeting scheduled for 25 March will determine the strike date if the government remains unresponsive.

The union’s primary demand is the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission for transport staff, a promise reportedly made by the Congress party in its election manifesto. Additionally, union members are seeking the payment of 38 months of overdue salary arrears, the organisation of labour union elections, and a resolution for the employment issues facing workers laid off during the 2021 strike.

Union President Chandru condemned the Congress-led government for its inaction despite nearly two years in office, warning that continued negligence towards transport workers' grievances could severely disrupt public transport across Karnataka.

Furthermore, private transport unions have also issued an ultimatum, demanding the resolution of their issues by 22 March. Should their grievances be dismissed, they are prepared to stage a private transport strike, compounding the crisis by affecting both state-run and private transport services.