State electricity employees to go on indefinite strike from March 16

Bengaluru: The employees of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation (KPTCL) and all Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) have decided to go on an indefinite strike starting from March 16. The strike is a result of the employees’ demands for the fulfillment of various demands, including the wage revision of employees and officers.

During a press meet on Monday, the President of Karnataka Electricity Transmission Corporation Employees’ Association and Union of Organizations R H Lakshmipathi said that the Electricity Transmission Corporation Employees’ Union and Officers’ Association had submitted a report recommending a 30 percent increase in wages, but during a meeting chaired by the Energy Minister, it was agreed to revise it by 22 percent. However, no action has been taken even after the proposal was submitted five to six months ago, he alleged.

According to the agreement, wage revision should be done every five years, and it was agreed earlier to increase it by 22 percent. However, the government has not taken any action on this matter despite repeated reminders. The finance department has also raised the issue, but the government’s action seems to be lacking. As a result, the employees feel that the strike is inevitable, he said.

Approximately 60 thousand employees across the state, including 45 thousand retired employees, will join the strike, which demands the fulfillment of various demands, including the revision of wages, pension, and allowances. The strike will result in the stoppage of all activities related to power supply, repair works, and the progress of projects, he added.

The KEA Engineers Association President, Shivanna, along with office bearers K. Das Prakash, K. Ramachandra Reddy, J. Lokesh, and others, were present during the press conference where the announcement of the strike was made.

The strike is expected to cause a disruption in the power supply and other related services.