SALAR NEWS

KSRTC issues notices to 8,000 employees over strike

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy defended the issuance of notices, stating it was routine procedure when employees neglect duty despite ESMA being enforced.

Agencies

https://www.salarnews.in/public/uploads/images/newsimages/maannewsimage07082025_224723_KSRTC bus.jpg

The strike caused an estimated loss of Rs 20 crore for the transport corporation. Photo: ANI

Bengaluru, 7 Aug

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has issued show-cause notices to approximately 8,000 employees for participating in a strike on 5 August, which defied the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), 1981. Across four state-run transport corporations, nearly 17,000 notices were issued on 6 August, officials confirmed.

The strike was organised by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Road Transport Corporation (RTC) employees, who commenced an indefinite protest at 6am on 5 August. While Bengaluru city experienced minimal disruption with full bus operations, substantial service interruptions occurred in the rest of Karnataka, resulting in an overall operational efficiency of 71.9 per cent .

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy defended the issuance of notices, stating it was routine procedure when employees neglect duty despite ESMA being enforced. "This is not unique to our department... if ESMA is in effect and employees take part in a strike, notices are issued," he explained.

The strike caused an estimated loss of Rs 20 crore for the transport corporations. The JAC’s demands include implementation of a revised salary structure effective 1 January, 2024, and the release of pending arrears for 38 months. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had previously offered to settle 14 months' arrears, which the JAC rejected.