Archive · 18 Jul 2025
Karnataka Transport Unions Plan Strike Despite ESMA
The bus drivers in Karnataka are unhappy and planning to strike.
They want equal pay as other government workers and a raise they haven't received.
They also want union elections and for the government to drop past strike-related cases.
Despite the government's efforts to stop the strikes, a hunger strike will begin July 29, with another strike on August 5.
The unions say the current government hasn't addressed their demands even after two and a half years in power, despite the success of the 'Shakti' scheme.
Transport unions plan strikes despite government invoking ESMA.
Federation of unions calls for an indefinite hunger strike from July 29.
Unions demand pay parity, wage revision, union elections, and case withdrawals.
Another union plans a strike starting August 5.
The 'Shakti' scheme success cited as a reason for unmet demands.
- Who
- Karnataka transport unions and the state government.
- What
- Transport unions are planning strikes and hunger strikes.
- When
- July 29 and August 5.
- Where
- Bengaluru and districts.
- Why
- To address demands including pay parity, wage revision, union elections and case withdrawals.
Transport Unions
Government
Strike Action
Transport Unions
Demanding pay parity, wage revision, union elections, and withdrawal of cases.
Government
The government invoked ESMA, prohibiting strikes.
Government Response
Transport Unions
Cite delay in addressing employee demands despite government's success
Government
Government action via ESMA
- ESMA invoked
- Yes, effective July 1 to December 31
- Number of Employees
- 1.15 lakh
- Key Demand
- Pay on par with state government employees
- Wage Revision Pending From
- January 2020
- Strike Location
- Freedom Park in Bengaluru, DC offices in districts
