KSRTC-BMTC Strike on May 20: KSRTC Employees Union Backs Out, BMTC Services May Continue

The proposed Karnataka transport strike on May 20 may not fully disrupt public bus services after the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation Employees Union withdrew support for the indefinite protest planned by transport workers' unions.

The development has raised hopes that BMTC and KSRTC bus services could continue largely as normal on Tuesday, easing concerns among lakhs of daily commuters across Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka.

Earlier, unions representing employees from the state's four transport corporations had jointly announced an indefinite strike from May 20 over various pending demands. However, the KSRTC Employees Union has now formally informed the KSRTC Managing Director that it is stepping away from the agitation and exiting the joint action committee.

Speaking to media, Jagadish H.R. is the President of the Karnataka State Road Transport Employees Union said discussions with the KSRTC management continued late into the previous night before the decision was taken. He said the union chose to withdraw from the strike after consultations with employees and would instead continue talks with the Karnataka government to address workers' demands.

According to Jagadish, assurances were given by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the state Transport Minister regarding the union's demands, prompting the decision not to participate in the protest.

With the KSRTC Employees Union backing out, employees linked to the union are expected to report for duty as usual on May 20.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court Tuesday restrained the transport unions from resorting to strike on May 20 , and directed continuation of meeting with the State authority's for resolution of grievances.

A vacation Division Bench comprising Justice Suraj Govindraj and Justice K. Manmadha Rao passed the interim order on a PIL filed by housemaid C. Vedavathi and a construction worker, who argued that their livelihoods would be severely affected if bus services were disrupted.

The decision significantly reduces the chances of a complete shutdown of government bus services across Karnataka. However, uncertainty still remains as some other transport unions may continue with their protest plans.

The planned strike had sparked concern among office-goers, students and regular commuters, particularly in Bengaluru, where BMTC buses are heavily relied upon for daily travel.