The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of transport corporation employees met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday to press for the fulfillment of long-pending demands, including the release of arrears and a revision of pay.
Following the meeting, Anantha Subba Rao, president of the KSRTC Staff and Workers’ Federation, said the discussion with the Chief Minister lasted nearly an hour and was “positive and constructive”. He added that the Chief Minister has asked the unions to hold another round of talks with Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on 6 December to address the pending issues in detail.
“We hope the meeting on 6 December will lead to a favourable outcome. The Chief Minister has assured us that the issues will be resolved after discussions with the Transport Minister,” Mr. Rao said.
The demands by the JAC include the release of arrears and a comprehensive pay revision. The unions estimate that unpaid dues across the four Road Transport Corporations (RTCs) currently stand at ₹8,010 crore.
Among the major demands are an increase in staff allowances, upgraded medical facilities for employees, and the regularisation of drivers and technical workers who are presently hired on a contract basis. The unions have also insisted that only permanent corporation drivers be assigned to operate electric buses, arguing that employing contract staff for such operations compromises both safety and efficiency.
According to Mr. Rao, union leaders highlighted that transport workers have played a crucial role in implementing the government’s welfare initiatives, particularly the ‘Shakti Scheme’, which has contributed significantly to public goodwill and boosted ridership.
In August, after a failed round of talks, the JAC had announced an indefinite strike. However, the protest was later withdrawn after being pulled up by the Karnataka High Court.
Published – November 26, 2025 11:50 pm IST
