Feb 28 union trade strike paralyses Indian banks, transport

New Delhi, Feb 28: Indian banking sector and transport system are two among the most affected areas which have been massively hit by the strike called by 11 major trade unions belonging to several political parties on Tuesday, Feb 28.

The unions demanded a universal social security net for all unorganised sector workers through creation of a national social security fund, enforcement of basic labour laws and stringent punitive action against violation of labour laws. However, media reports claim that the strike evoked mixed reactions with transport and banking sector hit the most by the call.

In West Bengal, most of the schools and offices were open following the warning from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who warned that any absence from duty would be considered as a break in service.

According to Naparajit Mukherjee, Director General of police, the situation was normal in Kolkata.

The strike however, did not have a heavy impact on Mumbai.

"The shutdown in the banking and financial sectors has been complete. The RBI’s clearing houses are shut. So the private and foreign banks, where we do not a have a presence, also get affected," said Vishwas Utagi, general secretary of the All India Bank Employees Association.

The strike had little impact on Delhi, though PSU banks were affected and a number of taxi and auto drivers took part in the strike.

Meanwhile, normal life in Kerala was hit by the bandh with banks and shops shut, while transports were kept off the roads.

Reports reveal that bandh hit transport and banking services in Punjab, Chandigarh and Haryana.

OneIndia News