Amid the ongoing MSRTC strike, just over 25,000 of the 96,000 employees have rejoined work while the others are still continuing their “mourning and strike”, as they remain firm on their demands of merger with the government, and are taking up odd jobs to meet ends.

“Adamant employees have taken up odd jobs to keep going as those on strike are not getting salaries. While a section of employees has joined work, a significant majority of employees, influenced by peer pressure, leaders or simply under false belief have kept the strike going and taken up odd jobs to keep their homes running,” an insider said.