Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Transport Employees Union on Wednesday said that it will go on an indefinite strike in front of KSRTC offices if its demands are not met.

The decision comes in wake of the management's refusal to pay last month's salary and the Transport Minister's alleged unwillingness to intervene in the matter.

The organisation said it would resort to extreme steps including boycott of duties if salaries are not paid before April 15, 2022 (Vishu or Kerala New Year, as per the Malayalam calendar).

The Union's state leadership is slated to meet on Friday to decide the future course of action.

Meanwhile, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has said it will go on an indefinite strike from April 28, 2022, in protest against the recent pay cuts.

It also pointed out that the management is not complying with the agreement to pay salaries by the fifth of each month.

The CITU leadership has also demanded the reinstation of employees who had previously worked under the empanel system.

Over 6,500 employees, part of the empanel system, were laid off following a High Court order.

The court had ruled then that only those who had been appointed through the Public Service Commission be hired at KSRTC.

CITU leader Anathalavattom Anandan told a news conference that the Union would hold a 'satyagraha' in front of KSRTC head office from Thursday (April 14, 2022).

Responding to calls for a strike, Transport Minister Antony Raju said that a strike would mean even less money for the debt-ridden KSRTC.

He urged all to understand the crisis that has befallen the state-owned public transport corporation.

Meanwhile, the Kerala government has decided to hike bus fares in view of rising fuel prices in the country and the mushrooming of protests concerning the same.

The minimum charge for bus fares has been hiked from Rs 8 to Rs 10 (for 2.5 km) whereas Rs 1 will be charged for every additional kilometre instead of the previous 90 paisa.

The new rates will be effective from May 1, 2022, the minister said.