Bengaluru: A confrontation is escalating between the Karnataka government and state transport employees after major transport unions rejected the government’s latest wage revision proposal, despite the release of over ₹1,270 crore to clear salary arrears. Unions have confirmed they will go ahead with a large protest meeting in Bengaluru on February 19.
Government Announces Multi-Crore Arrears Release
In a revised notification issued late on February 18, the state government announced the release of ₹1,271.92 crore to settle 26 months of pending salary arrears for employees and officers of state-run transport corporations, including KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC.
According to the government order, ₹718.93 crore will be released to cover 14 months of arrears from 2022 to early 2023, while ₹552.99 crore will be allocated for 12 months of arrears from 2021.
State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the government is also willing to initiate talks with labor unions on a percentage-based revision of basic pay, effective April 1, 2025. The move was aimed at addressing long-standing demands and averting industrial action.
Unions Reject Proposal, Cite Long-Term Losses
However, transport unions have strongly opposed the proposal. The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) said the notification fails to meet workers’ demands and creates long-term financial harm.
AITUC Secretary Rajanikanth argued that the proposal leaves a 14-month gap in the total 38 months of arrears demanded by employees. He also warned that shifting the implementation of the wage agreement from 2024 to 2025 would result in a permanent financial setback.
“This change will cause a lifetime loss for employees,” Rajanikanth said, adding that workers who retired around 2020 would receive no benefit. He further warned that delays would negatively impact gratuity and retirement benefits.
Protest in Bengaluru to Proceed
Despite the government’s announcement, the joint committee of transport unions has confirmed that the protest scheduled for February 19 in Bengaluru will go ahead. Union leaders are expected to meet on Thursday morning to decide on the next phase of their agitation.
While a complete shutdown of public bus services is not expected immediately, unions have warned that the agitation could escalate into a full-scale strike if the government does not revise the agreement period. A press conference is expected later in the day to announce further action.
The standoff raises concerns over potential disruption to public transport services across Karnataka if negotiations fail to make progress.