नवीनतम
Nationwide Strike: Kerala grinds to a halt
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM [Maha Media]: Kerala came to a standstill during the nationwide 24-hour general strike called by 10 opposition trade unions in protest against the Central Government’s alleged anti-labour policies, severely disrupting daily life.
Passengers arriving by train at various stations across Kerala were left stranded, struggling to find onward transportation.
KSRTC bus services were completely halted in Ernakulam, and in Thiruvananthapuram, buses could not operate due to the lack of police protection.
Even private vehicles, private buses, autorickshaws stayed off the roads in many places in the state, pushing Kerala into a complete shutdown. Unlike in Kerala, the strike had minimal impact in other states.
The strike, which began at midnight yesterday, also led to the postponement of all exams scheduled for today at Kerala, MG, Calicut, and Kannur universities.
The state government issued a 'dies non' (no work, no pay) notification, warning that staff absent without a valid reason would lose a day’s salary. KSRTC was also brought under the dies non directive.
With public transport crippled, the situation resembled a statewide bandh. Only a few token services were run from select KSRTC depots. Even private vehicles were largely absent from the roads.
The strike is being led by trade unions INTUC, CITU, AITUC, HMS, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC. Their demands include: Withdrawal of the new labour codes, Measures to curb inflation, End to disinvestment in public sector units, Recognition of scheme workers as formal employees, Minimum monthly wage of Rs 26,000, Pension of Rs 9,000.
Farmers, central and state government employees, teachers, public sector workers, and employees from the banking and insurance sectors are also expected to participate in the strike, according to union leaders. Left parties, including CPI(M) and CPI, have extended their support to the protest.
