Karnataka bus strike this month: Will city and intercity services be disrupted?

Bengaluru: Karnataka is set to face a major disruption in public transport as road transport corporation workers’ unions have announced an indefinite statewide bus strike from May 20. The decision comes after multiple rounds of failed talks with the state government over long-pending wage revision and other employee demands.

The primary demand of the unions is a 25% salary hike for employees, with effect from January 2024. Workers have also demanded payment of long-pending arrears and improvements in allowances and service benefits. According to union leaders, delays in wage revision for nearly 2.5 years have left them with no option but to call for a strike.

Which services will be affected?

If the strike goes ahead, it is expected to impact bus services operated by KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC. These four state-run transport corporations form the backbone of Karnataka’s public transport system, meaning daily commuters across cities and rural areas are likely to be affected.

Why did talks fail between unions and the government?

Union representatives said several rounds of discussions were held with Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, but no agreement was reached. While the government reportedly offered a 7% salary hike effective from April 2025, the unions rejected it, calling the proposal insufficient.

Apart from salary revision, unions are demanding the release of ₹1,272 crore in pending arrears covering 26 months in a single instalment. They have also sought higher daily allowances, employee welfare benefits, and resolution of administrative issues within a fixed timeframe.

Union leaders have warned that if the strike is implemented, the state government will be responsible for public inconvenience. With the strike scheduled to begin at 6 am on May 20, authorities may still attempt last-minute talks to avoid a complete shutdown of services.