
Tue Aug 05 03:16:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:
**Summary:**
A strike by Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (RTC) employees, organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), began on August 5th despite a High Court directive to postpone it. The strike, protesting unaddressed demands for salary revisions and better conditions, had varying impacts across the state. Bengaluru experienced minimal disruption due to high BMTC service operation, while other regions like Mysuru and Belagavi saw significant service disruptions leaving passengers stranded. The JAC claims the government failed to address their concerns in prior talks. The government is attempting to mitigate the impact by deploying private buses and appealing to striking employees. The situation remains fluid, with the extent of further disruption dependent on employee participation.
**News Article:**
**Karnataka Bus Strike Causes Disruptions Across State Despite Court Order**
**Bengaluru, August 5, 2025** – A state-wide strike by Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (RTC) employees commenced this morning, causing disruptions to bus services across Karnataka, despite a directive from the Karnataka High Court to postpone the action. The strike, organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of RTC employees, stems from long-standing demands for salary revisions, the clearing of pending arrears, and improved working conditions.
While Bengaluru experienced relatively minor disruptions, with over 97% of BMTC services running as of 9 AM, other regions faced significant challenges. In Mysuru, approximately 60% of bus services were affected, leaving passengers stranded at bus stands. Belagavi district saw a complete paralysis of public transport.
The JAC claims that talks with the state government, including a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on August 4th, failed to produce a resolution. Anantha Subba Rao, president of the KSRTC Staff and Workers’ Federation, stated that the government had not addressed critical employee issues, leading the JAC to proceed with the strike.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy acknowledged some disruptions but downplayed the overall impact, stating, “While there have been some disruptions in a few places, overall, the impact is not significant… We have taken all necessary alternative measures.”
The government has activated contingency plans, including deploying private buses and corporate transportation to fill service gaps. The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations has agreed to run additional buses.
The JAC has stated that its legal team will present its case before the High Court, emphasizing the outcome of the failed negotiations with the government. The extent of future disruptions will depend on the level of employee participation in the strike. A clearer picture is expected to emerge by this evening or tomorrow morning.