Wed Jul 16 14:52:01 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Employees of Karnataka’s four State Road Transport Corporations (RTCs) have announced an indefinite strike starting August 5th, 2025, due to the government’s failure to address their long-standing demands. The Joint Action Committee of Workers’ Unions cited unmet promises regarding arrears, pay revision, promotions, allowances, medical facilities, and regularization of contract staff. They emphasized their contribution to welfare schemes like the ‘Shakti Scheme’ while highlighting the government’s perceived neglect of their concerns.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Bus Services Face Shutdown as Transport Workers Announce Indefinite Strike**

**Bengaluru, July 16, 2025** – Commuters across Karnataka are bracing for disruptions as employees of all four State Road Transport Corporations (RTCs) have declared an indefinite strike, set to commence on August 5th. The announcement, made by the Joint Action Committee of Workers’ Unions, stems from what they describe as the government’s persistent failure to address their long-pending demands.

The unions have voiced strong criticism of the Siddaramaiah government, alleging repeated neglect of transport workers’ grievances. Key issues include the release of pending arrears, long-overdue pay revisions, and lack of timely promotions. H. V. Ananth Subbarao, president of the KSRTC Staff and Workers’ Federation, stated that the government has consistently offered promises without delivering tangible results.

The striking workers are demanding an increase in staff allowances, improved medical facilities, and the regularization of drivers and technical staff currently employed on a contract basis. They are also advocating for the exclusive deployment of permanent corporation drivers on electric buses.

Union leaders have highlighted the significant role transport workers played in the successful implementation of welfare schemes like the ‘Shakti Scheme,’ which generated both goodwill and revenue for the state. Despite this contribution, they feel their concerns have been consistently ignored by the government.

With the strike looming, Karnataka residents who rely on bus services face significant uncertainty. The government has yet to issue a formal response to the unions’ demands, raising concerns about the potential for prolonged disruptions.

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