Karnataka bus strike: Notices to over 17,000 workers, estimated loss is 20 crore

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has served show-cause notices to round 8,000 of its workers for taking part within the August 5 strike, which was referred to as in defiance of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), 1981. Across the 4 State-run transport companies — KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC — a complete of almost 17,000 notices have been issued on August 6, a day after the strike, officers confirmed.

The strike was a part of a State-wide agitation led by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Road Transport Corporation (RTC) workers, who launched an indefinite protest from 6 a.m. on August 5.

While Bengaluru metropolis noticed minimal disruption with a 100% bus operation charge, the remainder of Karnataka witnessed vital service disruptions. The general operational effectivity throughout the State was reported to be 71.9%.

Officials stated the show-cause notices have been issued to those that didn’t report for responsibility on August 5 regardless of ESMA, 1981 being in pressure, and the Karnataka High Court directing the unions to name off the protest. “We are awaiting responses from the staff. Action can be taken based mostly on the replies to the notices,” a senior Transport Department official stated.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy defended the issuance of notices, terming it a routine process when workers skip work regardless of ESMA, 1981 being in implement. “This isn’t distinctive to our division. Even well being, schooling, and police departments, if ESMA, 1981, is in impact and workers participate in a strike, notices are issued,” Mr. Reddy defined to The Hindu.

The Minister added that there was no trigger for alarm amongst workers. “In 2021, through the 15-day RTC strike, round 2,500 workers have been suspended. This was solely a half-day to one-day strike with fewer contributors. So, there gained’t be any main consequence,” he stated.

However, Mr. Reddy expressed disappointment over the defiance of court docket course by the RTC unions. “It was flawed to go forward with the strike regardless of the High Court’s instructions. At the very least, the court docket ought to have been revered,” he stated, including that the federal government would all the time adjust to authorized instructions in such issues.

Strike induced ₹20 crore loss

Mr. Reddy stated that the one-day strike by RTC workers had resulted in an estimated lack of almost ₹20 crore for the transport companies.

“This sort of disruption, even when for only a day, has a major monetary influence. The companies function on tight margins, and any drop in service impacts not simply every day income but in addition the general public who depend upon these providers. Officials are at present going by means of the info and compiling detailed reviews to evaluate the precise monetary losses incurred throughout all 4 transport companies,” Mr. Reddy stated.

The JAC’s major calls for embody implementation of a revised wage construction efficient from January 1, 2024, and the discharge of pending arrears for 38 months overlaying January 2020 to February 2023. The unions additionally need the revised pay scale to stay legitimate till December 31, 2027.

In addition to wage points, the staff have sought a rise in varied allowances, enhanced medical advantages, and regularisation of contract-based drivers and technical employees. They have demanded that electrical buses be operated solely by everlasting employees and have opposed the involvement of contract employees in e-bus operations.

During a gathering held on August 4, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had provided to launch arrears for 14 months if the strike was withdrawn. However, the JAC rejected the proposal, standing agency on their demand for full settlement of 38 months’ price of dues.

The strike by JAC was finally postponed following the Karnataka High Court’s instructions on August 5.