Bengaluru Chalo impact: Will bus services be affected today? Full update here

Statewide agitation by transport staff puts spotlight on long-pending wage arrears, salary revision, and employee welfare demands.

Transport employees across Karnataka staged a massive protest under the banner of ‘Bengaluru Chalo’ on Thursday, pressing the government to fulfil long-pending demands related to salary arrears, wage revision, and workplace issues. The protest, organised by the Joint Action Committee of transport workers, was held at Freedom Park in Bengaluru from 10 am to 4 pm.

With the agitation intensifying, the state government announced its decision to clear 26 months of pending arrears to employees of the four state-run transport corporations, including BMTC and KSRTC. Officials confirmed that out of the total 38 months of arrears due, payment will now be made for 26 months. The government has also issued an official order to release ₹1,271.92 crore for this purpose.

According to the government’s decision, salary revision, which was originally scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2024, will now be implemented from March 1, 2025. However, the unions have rejected this timeline and are demanding that revised pay be applied retrospectively from January 1, 2024, along with the full settlement of 38 months’ arrears.

Also Read:KSRTC/BMTC employees await government’s final word on wage revision

Despite the announcement, the Joint Action Committee has remained firm, stating that partial payments will not resolve the long-standing grievances of employees. The workers are demanding complete payment of pending wages, parity with government employee pay scales, an end to workplace harassment, and immediate implementation of revised salaries.

The protest has raised concerns about possible disruption to public transport services. While no official order has been issued to halt bus operations, authorities have indicated that BMTC and KSRTC services could be affected during the day due to staff participation in the agitation.

Meanwhile, the transport department has issued warnings to employees against skipping duty. BMTC has announced that the ‘No Work, No Pay’ rule will be strictly enforced, and salary deductions will be made for those absent from work during the protest.

Also Read:Speed curbs on Namma Metro: BMRCL imposes temporary restriction on Green Line stretch

As negotiations remain inconclusive, the standoff between transport workers and the government continues, keeping commuters on alert across Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka.