Karnataka Bus Strike: Thousands Stranded as Employees Defy HC Order

A major bus strike has begun in Karnataka, with thousands of commuters left stranded across the state. The strike, which started after talks between the government and employee unions failed, has affected bus services in Bengaluru and other parts of the state. Despite a High Court order directing employees to resume work, the unions have decided to go ahead with the strike. The strike has been called by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) employees, who are demanding a salary hike and better working conditions. The employees have been protesting for several days, but the government has failed to meet their demands. The strike has caused chaos in the city, with thousands of commuters left without a mode of transport. Many people have been forced to walk long distances or take expensive taxis to reach their destinations. The strike has also affected the city’s economy, with many businesses and offices reporting a significant decline in productivity. The government has tried to persuade the employees to call off the strike, but the unions have refused to budge. The High Court had earlier directed the employees to resume work, but the unions have defied the order. The strike has been widely condemned by the public, who are facing immense hardship due to the lack of bus services. The government has promised to take stern action against the striking employees, but it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved. The strike has highlighted the long-standing issues faced by the transport sector in Karnataka, including poor working conditions and low salaries. The employees have been demanding a salary hike of 30-40%, but the government has offered only 10-15%. The strike has also raised questions about the government’s ability to manage the transport sector and provide adequate services to the public. The opposition parties have criticized the government for its handling of the situation, saying that it has failed to address the concerns of the employees. The strike is likely to continue for several days, causing further hardship to the public. The government needs to take immediate action to resolve the issue and provide relief to the commuters. The strike has also affected the tourism industry, with many tourists stranded in the city. The government has set up a committee to negotiate with the employees, but it remains to be seen whether a solution can be found. The strike has been a major setback for the government, which has been trying to promote Karnataka as a tourist destination. The public is eagerly waiting for a resolution to the strike, which has caused immense hardship to thousands of people.

Source