Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has issued a warning to employees against participating in a proposed indefinite statewide strike beginning 20 May, stating that staff remaining absent from work could face disciplinary action and salary deductions under a “no work, no pay” policy.
The directive comes amid escalating tensions between employees of Karnataka’s state-run transport corporations and the state government over unresolved issues including wage revisions, pending arrears and employee welfare-related demands.
The proposed agitation has been called by the Joint Action Committee representing employees from four state transport corporations. The unions have argued that repeated demands and appeals over salary revisions and long-pending concerns have not received an adequate response.
In a circular issued to senior officials and divisional authorities, KSRTC management stated that the proposed strike cannot be permitted under the legal framework governing essential public services. The corporation pointed to the application of the Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act, under which services of state-run transport corporations fall within essential service categories.
According to the order, employees working in these services are restricted from participating in strike actions, particularly during periods where conciliation proceedings remain active. Transport corporations have also been classified as public utility services, strengthening legal limitations on industrial action.
The corporation has directed officials across divisions and depots to ensure transport operations continue without disruption during the proposed strike period. Authorities have also been instructed to avoid approving leave requests from 20 May onward except in exceptional situations.
As part of precautionary measures, officials have been asked to maintain detailed records of employee attendance during the strike period. Day-wise and unit-wise data on absences will reportedly be used for salary deductions and disciplinary processes.
The move highlights the continuing standoff between transport employees and the administration as both sides prepare for possible operational disruptions affecting public transport services across the state.
