Strike: Banking may be hit; transport and schools to function as usual

The impact of the nationwide general strike called by various trade union organizations on Thursday in Karnataka is likely to be minimal. While banking services are likely to be affected in the state, public transport operations are expected to continue without major disruption. Schools will also continue to operate as usual, but lunch supplies may be affected.

The strike, called by central unions and supported by organizations representing agricultural, rural and informal sector workers, is expected to witness participation from sectors across various states.

Bank employees affiliated with the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) and Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) in Karnataka are expected to stay away from work. However, major transport services in Karnataka have stated that suburban services are unlikely to be disrupted.

The KSRTC Staff and Labor Federation in Karnataka said it would give moral support to the strike. “We support the nationwide general strike in solidarity with workers’ demands. However, we do not expect major disruption of bus services in the state,” a senior member of the federation said.

A senior official of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) announced that operations will continue as planned. “The strike will have no impact on KSRTC services. Buses will operate as usual in all sections,” the official said.

Similarly, a senior official of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) confirmed that city bus services in Bengaluru will operate normally on Thursday.

At Kempegowda International Airport, official sources at Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said no advisories have been issued so far. “We have not received any advice regarding the strike. We will advise passengers in case of any possible impact on flight movements or airport operations. No problems are expected for now,” an official said.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) official also stated that Namma Metro services will run as per normal schedule.