Karnataka Transport Strike: 30,000 KSRTC and BMTC Employees Issued Show-Cause Notices, Here's Why

Over 30,000 employees of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporations (KSRTC) have been served notices for participating in the transport strike held on August 5, despite a clear directive from the Karnataka High Court prohibiting such action.

According to officials, drivers, conductors, and depot staff across the state abstained from duty, causing major disruptions in public transport. The strike, which was not officially declared as a holiday, left thousands of commuters stranded.

Notices have been issued to employees who either failed to report for duty or arrived late without prior intimation. The transport department stated that such actions amounted to indiscipline and violated both court orders and corporation guidelines.

"Despite the High Court's directive, many employees supported and participated in the strike. This led to public inconvenience and a breach of official conduct," the notice stated.

The High Court had warned that any second instance of participation in such strikes would result in arrest. Some employees resumed duty after this directive, but have now been asked to explain the delay in joining back.

Transport officials confirmed that disciplinary action will be initiated against employees who ignored both the first and second warnings from the court. The crackdown comes amid increasing tension between the government and transport unions.

The Joint Action Committee of KSRTC employees' unions expressed strong resentment over the notices. "None of this would have happened if our long-pending demands were fulfilled," they said, urging the government to hold further discussions.

A follow-up meeting to address the demands is scheduled for August 28, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to chair the session.