Bengaluru: A major conflict has erupted between the Karnataka government and state transport employees. Despite the government’s late-night move to release a large amount of funds for salary arrears, transport unions have rejected the proposal and confirmed they will hold a major protest in Bengaluru.
Government Offers Crores of Rupees
In a revised press note issued on February 18, the state government announced the release of ₹1,271.92 crore to pay 26 months of salary arrears to employees and officers of KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC.
The order, signed after approval from the Finance Department, details two specific installments: ₹718.93 crore for 14 months of arrears from 2022 to early 2023 and ₹552.99 crore for 12 months of arrears from 2021.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that the government is also ready to begin negotiations with labor unions regarding the percentage-based basic pay revision, effective April 1, 2025. This move was intended to address long-standing demands and prevent a potential strike, but union leaders say the fine print tells a different story.
Union Rejection and ‘Lifetime Loss’ Argument
The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has strongly disagreed with the government’s notification. AITUC Secretary Rajinikanth stated that this proposal leaves a 14-month gap in the 38-month arrears demanded. More importantly, he pointed out that shifting the agreement’s implementation date from 2024 to 2025 would create a permanent financial loss for workers.
Rajinikanth told ETV Bharat, “This change in the agreement period will cause a huge, permanent loss to employees throughout their lives.” He emphasized that those who retired around 2020 will be left with nothing. If implementation is further delayed, employees will lose their retirement benefits and gratuity. We cannot agree to these terms.”
Clash in Bengaluru: What to Expect
Although the government hoped that the 26-month payment would pacify the workforce, unions consider it a unilateral decision that ignores the most senior staff and their future security. The Joint Committee of Transport Unions is scheduled to meet tomorrow morning to finalize the next phase of their struggle.
For now, the protest scheduled for February 19th in Bengaluru will remain as it is. While public bus services are not expected to be completely disrupted immediately, unions have warned that the conflict will intensify if the government does not change the agreement dates. A press conference is expected to be held tomorrow evening to announce the date of the full strike.
