No solution in sight to transport corporation workers strike

As employees of four Karnataka road transport corporations continued their indefinite strike demanding wage hike, normal life was hit for the second day today with no solution in sight.
More than one lakh employees' of transport corporations are on strike since Sundaymidnightwith about 40 demands, prominent among them being a 35 per cent wage hike, while government has offered 10 per cent increase.
The strike affected normal life as most of the state transport buses stayed off theroads and public were seen depending on private and own vehicles for commuting.
In Bengaluru, cabs and auto rickshaws were onhigh demand and Metro services are running packed.

Schools and colleges in most parts of the statecontinue to remain shut today also due to the strike. Authorities would decide about holiday for tomorrow depending on the situation.
With both sides sticking to their guns, commuters across the state may have to brace themselves for a similar situationtomorrowas well, with no bus connectivity.

Though skeletal number of buses with security resumed operations on selective routes in different parts, they were met with protest by striking employees.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has clarified that therewas no chance of increasing salary by more than 10 per cent, stating that the corporations are not in a position to do so.

"They should not be stubborn. Six crore people of Karnataka are facing difficulty. Government cannot fulfill allthat they ask for; they are asking 30-35 per cent, we can'tgive that much," he said.
"There should be capacity to pay according to thedemand, the undertakings are running under loss, but stillkeeping employees interest in mind, we have agreed to give 10per cent hike," he added.
TheChief Minister has postponed his scheduled visit to Delhitomorrowin the wake of the strike.
The strike and the problem it is causing to the public came up for discussion in the cabinet meeting today.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra said Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation was not in a position to give anymore than announced 10 per cent hike.

"KSRTC is not in a positionto give more," he said, adding even the 10 per cent hike would mean about Rs 400 crore expenditure per year.
Stating that a few drivers have come back for work,he requested the striking employees to consider thefinancial situation of the corporations, problem faced bypublic and report to duty.
Replying to a question, he said "We hope it will get settled soon and good sensewill prevail by then... Our officials and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy is in touch with employees unions."
Thegovernment has said no decision has been taken regarding invoking of Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against the striking employees.