Tue Dec 24 16:13:15 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Transport Unions Divided Over Planned Statewide Strike

**Bengaluru, December 25, 2024** – A planned statewide indefinite strike by six Karnataka transport unions, including the KSRTC Employees’ Joint Action Committee (JAC), on December 31st, is facing internal division. The Karnataka Rajya Raste Sarige Nigamagala Sanghatanegala Okkuta (Okkuta) has publicly opposed the strike, claiming the JAC’s demands don’t represent the priorities of most transport employees.

The Okkuta argues that the majority of workers (95%) in the four road transport corporations prioritize salary parity with other government employees, rather than the arrears and 25% pay revision every four years proposed by the JAC. Okkuta convenor R. Chandrashekhar stated that the JAC’s proposal is significantly lower than the increments offered under the 7th Pay Commission, and that the Okkuta demands a comparable pay scale for RTC employees. He further predicted low participation in the strike, asserting that most employees support the Okkuta’s position.

The JAC, however, remains committed to the strike, citing unpaid arrears totaling ₹1,750 crores and ₹399.29 crores in outstanding gratuity payments. Despite government assurances of a salary hike from January 2024, union leaders express disappointment with the lack of concrete action. H.V. Anantha Subba Rao, President of the KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation, insists the JAC has the full support of RTC employees and blames the government’s inaction for the strike. The conflict highlights a deep divide within Karnataka’s transport worker community regarding the best approach to securing improved wages and benefits.

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