Bengaluru: The city is bracing for a major show of strength by transport employees as final-stage talks on salary arrears and wage revision continue between unions and the state government. Despite last-minute discussions and fresh assurances from the government, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) has announced that the ‘Bengaluru Chalo’ protest will proceed as scheduled tomorrow at Freedom Park.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has been holding marathon meetings with union representatives in an effort to avert the agitation. Sources said the government is expected to reiterate its commitment to fulfil key demands, including payment of pending arrears and implementation of revised wage structures.
JAC firm on protest
However, the JAC has made it clear that verbal assurances will not suffice. Leaders have insisted that only a formal government order (GO) detailing the implementation timeline and financial commitments will lead to withdrawal of the protest.
JAC member Manjunath said the unions were not consulted adequately before certain decisions were taken. “The government’s unilateral decision is not acceptable. We should be consulted. We need written orders, not just promises,” he said.
Employees have been directed to assemble at Freedom Park in large numbers. Union leaders expect participation from workers across various transport corporations, making it one of the biggest gatherings in recent months.
Background of arrears issue
The protest comes after months of negotiations over 26 months’ pending arrears and wage revision. Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had assured employees that arrears would be cleared. However, no formal order was issued following the announcement, leading to growing scepticism among workers.
Documents reviewed by union representatives reportedly show repeated references to wage revision exercises, interim committee reports and financial figures such as ₹1,239.47 crore, ₹718.93 crore, ₹520.54 crore, ₹4,900, ₹7,800, ₹1,219.23 crore and ₹1,271.92 crore. These figures reflect the scale of arrears and financial implications under discussion.
Employees argue that while partial implementation has been noted — with increments ranging from 30 per cent to 80.87 per cent in certain categories — clarity on full disbursement and timelines remains lacking.
Government balancing finances
The government faces the challenge of balancing fiscal constraints with mounting pressure from unions. Officials indicate that the total financial burden of clearing arrears and implementing revised wages runs into several thousand crore rupees, requiring phased disbursement.
Around 8,000 employees are said to be directly impacted by the arrears issue. Union leaders maintain that delays have adversely affected livelihoods, particularly amid rising living costs.
Transport department officials said discussions are continuing and efforts are being made to reach a mutually acceptable formula. “We are positive that a solution can be worked out. The government is committed to the welfare of employees while also safeguarding public finances,” a senior official said.
Deadline set by unions
The JAC has reportedly set a deadline until tomorrow evening for the government to issue binding orders. If no written assurance is provided, leaders have warned of intensifying the agitation in phases.
Freedom Park, traditionally the venue for major protests in the city, is expected to witness heavy turnout. Police are likely to make security and traffic arrangements in anticipation of large crowds.
The standoff highlights the tension between policy announcements and formal administrative action. While the government maintains that progress has been made and orders dated February 18, 2026 have been issued regarding wage revision reports, employees remain wary, describing the approach as “blindfold tactics” until comprehensive documentation is shared.
Awaiting clarity
As negotiations continue, much depends on whether the government can convert assurances into official notifications before the protest gathers momentum. The coming hours are crucial in determining whether the ‘Bengaluru Chalo’ event becomes a symbolic show of strength or the beginning of a prolonged confrontation.
For now, transport employees appear determined to press ahead, signalling that only clear and binding action will bring the agitation to an end.