KSRTC union has called off protest plan, says Transport Minister

‘Majority of the demands of employees’ association have been fulfilled’

After a meeting with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporations Employees’ Association, Transport Minister H.M. Revanna on Wednesday said a majority of the demands of the association had been fulfilled and the employees had called off their protest plan.

The association, backed by the CITU, had announced that employees of the corporations would assemble at the Minister’s residence on Thursday to protest his refusal to address their concerns.

The Minister told reporters that interests of employees would be protected during inter-corporation transfers. “Unions have expressed their unhappiness over transfer of employees from the northern parts of the States to Puttur and Mangaluru divisions of the KSRTC against their wish, and with immediate effect such transfers would be withheld. The KSRTC will shortly invite applications to fill vacancies in Puttur and Mangaluru divisions,” he said.

The department has also agreed to withdraw disciplinary action against employees in 211 cases for participating in the strike in July 2016.

On the demand to increase salaries and payment of arrears, the Minister said salaries had been increased by 12.5% from January 1, 2016. “Except the NWKRTC all the corporations have paid arrears to employees in a phased manner.”

The State government owes ₹201 crore to the four road transport corporations that have been issuing discounted students passes after the government agreed to pay 50% of the cost.

Transport Minister said he would persuade Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to release the subsidy amount as early as possible.

‘Less Traffic Day’

The Transport Department has written to IT and biotechnology companies and residents’ welfare associations in Bengaluru, seeking their support for the new initiative ‘Less Traffic Day’ to be observed on the second Sunday of every month, starting February.

“We have been receiving good support from film stars, and film director Yogaraj Bhat has agreed to write a theme song. The authorities have written to IT and biotechnology companies in the city, asking their employees to participate. Various residents’ welfare associations will also be involved,” he said.