Bharat Bandh: Trade unions' strike to hit normal life in Karnataka

Bengaluru, Aug 31: The day-long nationwide strike by central trade unions on Friday (September 2) is likely to hit normal life across Karnataka, as their state affiliates have decided to join them.

"Buses will not operate, banks will not open and factories will remain closed across the state on Friday, as we will also be on strike in support of the demands and express solidarity with thousands of the affected workers/employees," a state-level trade union leader told IANS on Wednesday.

With drivers, conductors and support staff of the state-run transport corporations (BMTC and KSRTC) staying away from work, intra-state and inter-state bus services will remain suspended from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"Private transport unions will also be joining the strike. We have appealed to taxi and auto associations to extend their support to the strike and not ply vehicles," said CITU leader S. Prasanna.

Supply of essential commodities, milk and water, however, will not be affected. Medical shops will remain open, as they have been exempted from the strike call.

"Commercial establishments, private firms, insurance companies and medium and small-scale units in industrial areas will also remain shut in support of the strike," AIBOC's state general secretary A. N. Krishna Murthy told IANS.

Among the demands of the trade unions are check price rise through pan-India public distribution system, enforcement of labour laws, universal social security cover for all workers, and stoppage of disinvestment in state-run enterprises and banks.

"We have also demanded lifting ceilings on payment of bonus and provident fund and increase the quantum of gratuity," Murthy added.

IANS