Overview
- The Joint Action Committee representing workers across Karnataka’s four state-run bus corporations announced an open-ended walkout starting May 20, and leaders said buses would not run.
- The state approved a 12.5% wage hike effective April 1, 2025, which unions reject because they want a 25% raise backdated to January 1, 2024.
- Union leaders also want about ₹1,272 crore in wage arrears for 26 months paid in one instalment, along with pending COVID-19 compensation to families of employees who died.
- Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the government would decide its response after talks with the Chief Minister, and no revised offer has been announced.
- This is the second major protest this year after a February agitation was suspended when arrears were released, and a prolonged stoppage could leave daily commuters across Karnataka without affordable public transport.