Over 300 Transport Workers Gather at Freedom Park; Accuse Govt of Betraying Assurances Made Earlier
Bengaluru: The Joint Action Committee of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) trade unions organised a mass hunger strike at Freedom Park today, with over 300 workers and leaders from across the state participating in a protest against the state government’s failure to fulfil promises made regarding their long-pending demands.
Unions Allege Government Backtracked on Salary Arrears Promise
Despite the positive assurances given by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a meeting on 15 April 2025, the Joint Action Committee claimed that no concrete steps had been taken to resolve their issues. Particularly, the decision made during a tripartite meeting on 04 July 2025, that 38 months of salary arrears (from 01 January 2020) will not be paid, has angered the employees.
“The indefinite strike announced by us on 31 December 2024 was withdrawn in good faith, based on the CM's commitment. But the government's decision to deny arrears has left us with no option but to protest,”
said a senior union leader at the protest site.
Massive Participation from Across Karnataka
The one-day hunger strike began at 11:00 AM and continued till 4:00 PM at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, drawing representatives from all divisions of KSRTC. The protest was spearheaded by members of several prominent unions including:
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KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation (AITUC)
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All Karnataka State Road Transport Employees’ Federation
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Karnataka State Road Transport Employees’ Federation (CITU)
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KSRTC P.J.A. and P.P.M. Employees’ Association (40/78)
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State Road Transport Corporation P.J.A./P.M. Officers and Employees’ Welfare Association (R)
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Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation Employees’ Association (R)
The workers demanded immediate government intervention and fulfillment of commitments made during the previous discussions.
Unions Demand Immediate Resolution
Union leaders criticized the government's shifting stance and warned that failure to meet their demands could lead to a state-wide agitation. They reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue but insisted that assurances must now translate into binding policy decisions.
“Workers’ patience is wearing thin. If the government doesn’t act, a larger protest movement will be inevitable,”
said another member of the Joint Action Committee.
Background: Earlier Strike Was Withdrawn in Good Faith
The previous indefinite strike planned on 31 December 2024 was called off after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promised prompt action, including reviewing salary issues, arrears, and welfare measures. However, no major progress has been reported since then.
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