The Joint Action Committee of Trade Unions of KSRTC Employees informed the Karnataka High Court on Thursday, 7 August, that they have unanimously resolved to call off their indefinite transport strike with immediate effect.
A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Joshi recorded the memo filed by the union’s counsel and disposed of a petition filed by J Sunil and others challenging the strike. The court had initially stayed the protest for a day on Monday, 4 August, to review negotiations between the trade unions and the state government over various demands.
Despite the order, the strike continued, prompting the court on Tuesday, 5 August, to warn of contempt proceedings against the unions and remark that public convenience could not be held hostage. The stay was then extended until Thursday, 7 August.
On Thursday, the unions submitted a resolution formally ending the strike. Petitioner’s counsel told the court that conciliation talks were underway and requested a timeline for government action to avoid a repeat situation. The bench, however, opted to let the discussions continue, noting that the strike had already been withdrawn.
The indefinite strike by the Joint Action Committee of Trade Unions of KSRTC employees was launched over a series of long-pending demands, including a significant wage revision, better retirement benefits, resolution of staff shortages, and improved working conditions. The unions had been pressing the Karnataka government to address disparities in salaries compared to other state transport corporations, provide timely promotions, and ensure job security for contractual workers.
