Karnataka High Court directs transport unions to put strike call on hold for a day

The High Court of Karnataka on August 4 directed employee unions of State-run public transport corporations to put their strike call on hold for a day to enable the court know the outcome of the ongoing meeting of representatives of the unions and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

A division bench comprising Justice K. S. Madagal and Justice M.G.S. Kamal passed the order on a PIL petition filed by J. Sunil and others, who are all dependent on public transport for their everyday commute. 

However, the bench asked the petitioner’s advocate who will take care of the interests of drivers and conductors of the public transport corporations when there is no wage revision for several years. 

The bench was informed by the advocates for the government of Karnataka and the KSRTC that a joint action committee (JAC) of the unions gave a call for a strike even though the process of conciliation is underway as per the law.

The JAC, which represents employees of all four State-run transport corporations, has demanded a salary hike effective from January 1, 2024, and the settlement of pending arrears for 38 months from January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2023. It has also insisted that the revised pay be applicable for four years, up to December 31, 2027.