Karnataka: Transport strike postponed, employees instructed to resume duty immediately

The Transport Employees Joint Action Committee (JAC) has officially postponed the ongoing transport strike, following strong observations made by the Karnataka High Court earlier today. In response, the committee has directed all transport employees to resume duty with immediate effect.

Also read: Karnataka HC slams transport union, warns of contempt if strike continues

Bus strike postponed: 

Joint Action Committee President Ananth Subbarao addressed a press conference shortly after the court's remarks. He announced the decision to suspend the strike, clarifying that the move is temporary and does not signal a withdrawal of their demands. "We have not called off the strike, only postponed it for now," he emphasized.

The High Court’s intervention came after a case was filed regarding the ongoing transport agitation by BMTC transport workers. Taking serious note of the disruption, the court urged the committee to reconsider its stance. Acting on this, the committee chose to halt the strike as a temporary measure.
Subbarao reassured that employees reporting back to work would not be in violation of the ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act). 

He further expressed hope that the government would use this opportunity to initiate discussions with the union to address transport workers' demands.
The Joint Action Committee's directive is expected to restore normalcy in public transport services across the state, bringing relief to thousands of commuters affected by the strike.

Also read:

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3. Transport bandh: Partial services continue in Bengaluru amid demands for pay revision and job security