27 Feb 2023 | 01:25 PM UTC
India: Unionized bus workers in Karnataka State to strike from March 1
Unionized bus workers in Karnataka State, India, plan indefinite strike from March 1; associated protest scheduled. Disruptions likely.
Event
Members of the Karnataka Road Transport Employees' League plan to stage an indefinite, statewide strike in Karnataka from March 1 to denounce the state budget. Organizers stated they expect over 100,000 workers from all four state transport corporations will participate in the industrial action.
The Karnataka Road Transport Employees’ League will also protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, capital of Karnataka State, March 1. The union has not announced the start time of the protest but has stated it expected expects around 3,000 people will participate.
The strike may be called off at short notice, if officials accede to the workers' demands. If it goes ahead, the strike will likely lead to an increased demand for alternative transport. Authorities will likely deploy additional security in and around the protest site; localized ground transport and business disruptions are likely. Violence cannot be discounted, especially if protesters are overly disruptive, or police move to disperse protesters.
Advice
Plan for reduced bus services and increased demand for alternative transport, such as taxi and rail, during the strike. Check public transit schedules for possible service changes; allow additional travel time. Exercise caution near the protest site.
