BENGALURU – Talks ended in failure as the government said it would increase the wages of transport workers by 10 per cent, but insisted on giving them a 25 per cent hike.
The government transport employees had announced that they would go on an indefinite strike from March 24, insisting on various demands including salary hike.
In this regard, a consultation meeting was held with the Transport Employees Union at Bengaluru Vidhan Souda yesterday under the leadership of Transport Minister Sriramulu.
At that time, he promised that the government would increase the wages by 7 to 10 percent. However, the employees union insisted on a 25 percent increase for them. As a result, the talks ended in failure.
After the meeting, Minister Sriramulu gave an interview:
We will resolve the issue of increase in wages of transport employees before the election code of conduct comes into force. I will talk to the principal and call the meeting again in two days.
In this regard, a consultation was held with the directors and managing directors of four transport corporations, including KSRTC and PMTC.
Currently, the transport sector is running at a loss. Even when they were at a loss during the Corona period, the Chief Minister has helped them a lot. In today’s discussion, we have informed that we will increase the wages by 10 percent.
This is what he said.
Chandrasekhar, President of BMTC Employees Union said:
What happened in today’s meeting was only bargaining. The authorities did not accept our request. If the government employees go on strike, the demand will be met.
However, only 7 to 10 percent pay revision for transport employees was not accepted. If there is no increase in wages, we will go on strike again.
The transport workers along with their families will join the strike from March 24.
This is what he said.