All-India strike in unorganised sector hits Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 8 (UNI) The (Centre of Indian Trade Unions) CITU-sponsored all-India strike in the unorganised sector hit normal life in Kerala, with private buses, taxis and trucks in most places keeping off the road, today.

The dawn-to-dusk strike had affected the central and northern districts the most as the private transport system was off the roads. The strike was not affected in Thiruvananthapuram as the people in this district relied more on the state-run Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), which operated its normal services.

Kochi and Kozhikode was also affected as the private buses, taxis, and trucks kept off the roads. Offices and educational institutions reported thin attendance in the absence of private buses. But it did not affect the functioning of offices and educational institutions in Thiruvananthapuram.

A report from Kozhikode said the strike was near total as almost all the shops and business establishments remained closed in the district.

However, the state-run KSRTC was operating skeleton services to ferry stranded passengers to neighbouring district. Two wheelers and a few autorickshaws were also plying.

The strike was partial in Malappuram and Wynaad, report from the district headquarters said.

The police said, the stir was peaceful and no untoward incident reported so far.

The all-India strike was called to press for better wages, service conditions and social security measures for workers in the unorganised sectors.

UNI