Karnataka government invokes Essential Services Maintenance Act, prohibits strike by transport staff
The notification states that employees (of KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC) shouldn't participate in the strike as their services are considered essential. It also mentions that considering public interest and public order, the provisions of ESMA have been exercised. The prohibition is in effect till Dec 31, 2025.
The joint action committee, calling for the strike, is demanding the clearance of 38 months of arrears related to the previous salary revision, the implementation of a new wage revision effective from Jan 1, 2024, and the withdrawal of legal cases filed against employees, among other issues.
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Meanwhile, another body of the unions of RTCs — Karnataka Rajya Raste Sarige Nalku Corporations Unions — said it would observe a hunger strike from July 29 at Freedom Park and the district headquarters, demanding the fulfilment of its demands. This employees' body has sought, among other things, salary for corporation employees on a par with the Seventh Pay Commission with effect from Jan 1, 2024, the clearance of arrears, and the holding of elections to unions.
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