Normal life hit as transport unions in K’taka strike work

Normal life was affected on Monday across Karnataka, including the IT capital here, with over one lakh employees of four state road transport corporations commencing an indefinite strike, seeking wage hike.

As the employees struck work since last midnight, office- goers waiting at bus stops was a common sight across the city, while thousands who had come down to Bengaluru from different parts of the state were seen stranded at Kempegowda bus stand, the city's main bus terminal.

Commuters had started facing trouble since yesterday evening with drivers and conductors not turning up for work. Similar reports have emerged from different parts of the state. Authorities in several districts have declared a holiday in schools and colleges.

More than one lakh employees of state transport corporations have gone on strike with about 41 demands, including a 35 per cent wage hike, while state government has offered 10 per cent increase.

Several reconciliatory meetings held between the management of state transport corporations and the unions, even at the level of Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, had failed with both sides sticking to stand.