The Joint Action Committee of the Trade Unions of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has announced an indefinite strike starting May 20, 2026, despite a recent 12.5% wage increase for employees. The unions, representing seven RTC employee groups, are demanding a 25% salary hike effective from January 1, 2024, for four years. They criticized the government's unilateral decision to implement the lower wage increase without further consultation, despite Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy's earlier assurances of additional discussions. The unions highlighted perceived discrimination, noting that state government employees received a 27.5% salary increase following the Seventh Pay Commission. Additionally, they are calling for the immediate payment of 12 months of arrears, following the government's release of ₹1,272 crore for 26 months of dues. The unions urge all RTC employees to support the upcoming strike.