Yediyurappa asks KSRTC employees to call off strike, resume work

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa appealed to the KSRTC workers to end the strike as even a salary hike of 8 per cent has been considered by the government.

Belagavi: Amid an indefinite strike called by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) employees over demand for revision of salary, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday said that he has fulfilled eight of the nine demands put forward by the workers union.

He also appealed to the workers to end the strike as a salary hike of 8 per cent has also been considered.

"I have fulfilled 8 out of 9 demands which were given by the unions in the last meeting. A salary hike of 8 per cent has also been considered. I have written to the union government for the approval, right after we get approval that will also be given," said Yediyurappa said while speaking to ANI.

"Even after knowing the situation, some unions have called for the strike in their self-interest. We had a meeting earlier and I am ready to talk with them at any point in time," he further said.

Referring to the COVID-19 situation in the state, the Chief Minister said, "They know how people are suffering in the COVID-19 crisis, they are accentuating the suffering at this point of time. I request them to come to work."

"We will wait for one or two days and if they do not come we will take action, we are operating private buses for the convenience of the people. I request them again not to make us take stringent action," he warned.

South Western Railway (SWR) said that it will run additional trains from April 8 to April 14 in view of the KSRTC strike. The move also aims at clearing the extra rush of the upcoming Ugadi festival.

According to an official statement of SWR, Railway Board has approved the running of the Special Express trains with special fare, due to the strike of Karnataka Road Transport Corporation Employees and for clearing extra rush of upcoming Ugadi Festival.

A total of eighteen Special Express trains were listed in the statement.

KSRTC employees have given a call for a strike with the demands of salary hike, permanent job, wages and shifts. The employees are working as contract workers in the department.

(ANI)