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

The impact of nationwide general strike on Thursday called by various trade union organisations is likely to be minimal in Karnataka. While the banking services are likely to be affected in the State, public transport operations are expected to continue without major disruption. Schools are also set to function as usual, though the supply of midday meals may be impacted.

The strike, called by central trade unions and supported by organisations representing agricultural, rural, and informal sector workers, is expected to witness participation across sectors in several States.

Bank employees associated 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, in Karnataka, major transport utilities have indicated that commuter services are unlikely to be disrupted.

The KSRTC Staff and Workers’ Federation in Karnataka said it would extend moral support to the strike. “We are supporting the nationwide general strike in solidarity with workers’ demands. However, we do not anticipate large-scale 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) clarified that operations would continue as scheduled. “There will be no impact of the strike on KSRTC services. Buses will operate as usual across all divisions,” the official said.

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

At the Kempegowda International Airport, official sources from Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said no advisory had been issued so far. “We have not received any advisory regarding the strike. If there is any likely impact on flight movements or airport operations, we will issue passenger advisories. As of now, there is no issue anticipated,” an official said.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL)official also stated that Namma Metro services would operate as per the regular schedule.