RTC workers' strike begins in Karnataka bus services hit

Bengaluru, Apr 7 (PTI) Bus services were affected in most
parts of Karnataka on Wednesday as drivers and conductors of
road transport corporations began their indefinite strike on
wage related issues.
Commuters were left stranded at bus stations across the
city, with Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)
buses remaining off the roads. Similar reports are emerging
from various parts of the state.
Bus services in several cities, including Bengaluru, were
thrown out of gear from Tuesday afternoon itself after drivers
and conductors decided not to work the second shift.
Passengers travelling to and from distant areas and
office goers were the most affected.
Several universities in the state have postponed exams
because of the RTC workers strike.
The government has tried to make alternate arrangements
by roping in private transport operators, and has sought
deployment of more trains, aimed at addressing inconvenience
caused to the public due to the stir.
Private buses, maxi cabs and other transport services
were seen operating in different parts of the city, coming to
the rescue of stranded passengers.
However, their operators said the number of passengers
was not as usual and was scarce.
They said many passengers are using their own vehicles or
have made arrangements on their own.
People were also seen using cabs, metro and auto
rickshaws in the city.
Metro has decided to increase the frequency of its
services between 7 am and 9 pm.
Workers of BMTC, Karnataka State Road Transport
Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport
Corporation (NWKRTC) and North Eastern Karnataka Road
Transport Corporation (NEKRTC), under the banner of Karnataka
State Road Transport Employees League, have given a call for
strike from April 7.
The protest is against the government's failure to
implement a salary under the 6th Pay Commission for the RTC
workers.
They decided to go ahead with the strike, despite the
government warning of strict action and ruling out any
negotiations with them.
While making it clear that the implementation of the 6th
pay commission for transport workers was not possible, the
government however has agreed for an 8 per cent increase in
salary as an interim relief.
However, it said, it cannot be implemented immediately as
the model code of conduct is in place and a letter has been
sent to the Election Commission seeking permission.
Warning the employees against going on strike during the
COVID-19 situation, officials had said "no work no pay", while
indicating about even invoking Essential Services Maintenance
Act (ESMA) if the strike continues.
At some places there were complaints about private
services including buses, autos and cabs charging
exorbitantly, taking advantage of the transport strike.
Officials said they are keeping vigil on it and making
spot visits to inspect the fare being collected by private
operators.
According to the transport department, notification
fixing cab and bus fares has already been issued and no one
can charge over it. PTI KSU
ROH ROH

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)