The unions went ahead with the strike despite a court stay against the agitation. Buses remained parked at depots, and only a few were seen running, as some staff chose not to participate in the strike.
A passenger said, "We have our reservations already. No official here is properly responding. They are not even telling us if our bus has been cancelled. We have no clarity. My journey is very essential. I have to go. I cannot even look for a
Demands:
- Wage revision effective January 1, 2024
- Payment of 38 months' salary arrears
The transport corporations have roped in trainee bus drivers to manage the situation.
Samir Pasha, a private bus driver, told ANI, "We have been permitted to ply our buses on the routes of state transport buses. Ticket prices have also been set. We cannot charge more than the government bus tickets."
Bus stands in major cities like Bengaluru, Chikkamagaluru, Raichur, Chitradurga, Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Tumakuru, Hassan, Madikeri, Shivamogga, and Kalaburagi saw heavy passenger rush.
Amid the strike, private bus operators and cab aggregators allegedly benefitted as passengers turned to them to reach their destinations. Some passengers complained to the media that autorickshaw drivers were charging exorbitant fares in Bengaluru.
The protest happened after talks
However, union leaders said they were unhappy with the government's offer to clear only two years of arrears and having got no clear assurance on salary revision.
