Office commuters have suffered the most despite the government providing alternative means of rope to private transport operators.
Bangalore: Bus services were disrupted in most parts of Karnataka on Wednesday as drivers and conductors of the Road Transport Corporation went on indefinite strike over wage issues.
Passengers were stranded at bus stations across the city as Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses were left on the road. Such reports are being published from different parts of the state. On Tuesday afternoon, bus services were suspended in several cities, including Bangalore, as drivers and conductors decided not to work in the second shift.
The worst affected are remote areas and passengers. Many universities in the state have postponed exams due to the strike by RTC workers.
To alleviate the suffering of the people due to the movement, the government has tried to make alternative arrangements with the ropes of private transport operators and deploy more trains. Passengers stranded on private buses, maxi cabs and other transport services were seen rescuing passengers at various places in the city.
However, their operators said the number of passengers was not as usual and was rare. He said many passengers are using their own vehicles or making their own arrangements. People in the city have been seen using cabs, metros and autorickshaws. Metro has decided to increase the frequency of its services from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Supplied by Karnataka State Road Transport Employees League, BMTC, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and North-East Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NERC).
It is a protest against the government’s failure to enforce the salaries of RTC workers under the Sixth Pay Commission. They have decided to go on strike despite government warnings to take drastic action and dismiss any interaction with them.
Although the government made it clear that it was not possible to implement the Sixth Pay Commission for transport workers, it agreed to an eight percent increase in wages as an interim relief. However, it was stated that the code of conduct could not be implemented immediately as it was effective and permission was sought by sending a letter to the Election Commission.
The workers warned against going on strike during the program COVID-19
Officials said that while the strike continued, there were “no pay for work”, indicating the passage of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).
Externally there were complaints about private services including charging buses, autos and cabs, taking advantage of transport attacks in many places. Officials said they are monitoring the situation and inspecting the scene to monitor the rent taken from private operators. According to the transport department, cab and bus fares have already been notified and no charges will be levied from anyone.
