Bengaluru: Employees of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and affiliated unions staged a protest at Freedom Park on Monday, demanding pay parity with government staff and immediate clearance of long-pending salary arrears.
The demonstration was organised by the Karnataka State Road Transport Employees League along with other unions, marking an escalation in their agitation over unmet demands.
Protest highlights unmet election promises
In a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the League stated that despite several rounds of discussions with the government over the past three years, no concrete action has been taken.
The employees alleged that key assurances made during elections, particularly regarding salary revisions and benefits, remain unfulfilled.
Union leaders criticised the continuation of the existing wage revision system, which offers marginal hikes of 3 to 7 per cent, calling it insufficient and demoralising for workers.
Demand for pay parity with government staff
A major demand raised by the employees is the implementation of pay parity with state government employees, in line with the 7th Pay Commission recommendations.
They have urged the government to implement this with retrospective effect from January 1, 2024, arguing that transport staff should receive equal treatment in compensation.
Pending arrears and financial strain
The employees are also seeking payment of 38 months of salary arrears dating back to January 1, 2020.
While 26 months of arrears have reportedly been notified, the remaining 12 months are still pending, according to the unions.
Protesters highlighted that the delay in payments has caused financial hardship, affecting their ability to manage household expenses, children’s education, and other essential needs.
Call for union elections
Another key demand is the immediate conduct of union recognition elections across transport corporations, which employees say is necessary to ensure proper representation and dialogue with the government.
Warning of intensified agitation
Union leaders warned that if their demands are not addressed, they would escalate their protest in the coming days.
They said a collective decision on intensifying the agitation would be taken on Sunday, signalling the possibility of larger demonstrations or disruptions.
Conclusion
The protest reflects growing dissatisfaction among transport employees over wage issues and delayed benefits. With unions threatening stronger action, the state government may face increasing pressure to address the concerns and prevent further escalation.