Bus Drivers Strike in Cyprus, UK, India Amid Pay, Work Hours Disputes

Multiple bus drivers and transport workers across various regions are engaged in or planning strike actions primarily over pay and working conditions. In Larnaca, Cyprus, bus drivers rejected a labor ministry proposal concerning work hours and compensation, continuing their indefinite strike due to violations of a collective agreement limiting their workweek to 38 hours. In Karnataka, India, a court has strongly condemned ongoing transport strikes despite the imposition of the Essential Services Maintenance Act, warning of legal consequences including arrests if the strike persists. In the UK, Cardiff Bus workers voted to strike for three weeks starting August 17, citing low pay and poor working conditions, with the company maintaining it has offered a substantial pay increase and remains open to negotiations. Similarly, East Coast Buses employees in East Lothian, Scotland, voted to strike after rejecting a 10.3% pay offer, with the company emphasizing ongoing talks to avoid disruption to major local events. These disputes highlight widespread dissatisfaction among public transport workers regarding pay and working conditions, with employers and unions continuing negotiations amid threats and actions to maintain services.