Normal life in Karnataka may be affected on Thursday by transport sector worker strike

BENGALURU: Normal life in the state may be affected tomorrow as public transport and auto rickshaws are likely to stay off the roads in support of a nation wide strike called by transport sector workers in protest against the proposed new road transport bill.

The day-long strike has been called jointly by national level road transport organisations representing both public and private sector workers which are affiliated to central trade unions like All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), BMS, INTUC, HMS, AICCTU, LPF and state-level outfits.

Both Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) are unlikely to operate tomorrow with their respective workers union supporting the strike against the Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2015, prepared by NDA government.

"From 6 AM onward no employee from all the four transport corporations under KSRTC, including BMTC, will appear for duty. They will participate in the strike," KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation Joint Secretary S Nagaraj said.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said "....tomorrow as almost all state transport employees are likely to participate in the strike, there may be problem in plying buses."

The Federation has come to this decision despite KSRTC management issuing a circular, asking employees to appear for duty.

Citizens of Bengaluru are likely to face problems in commuting to work tomorrow with a few auto rickshaw unions deciding to stay off the road.

Taxi operations are likely to be normal in the city tomorrow. However a few operators have said that they will decide on the basis of the situation.