10 central trade unions across India have called for 24-hour strike over the proposed changes in labour laws by centre’s NDA government.
Business, branking, transport services, supply of power, gas and oil are likely to be affected the most following Wednesday’s strike. The BJP-backed BMS has countered that saying power, oil and gas supply will not be hit as a large number of public sector workers in these areas are not participating in the strike.
The unions called for this strike after their talks with the government failed.
Early reports suggest that the strike is already showing considerable impact in Kolkata in West Bengal. Private buses, autos and taxis are reported to be off the road. On Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a circular directing all government employees to be present today. It was revised later and all employees are said to lose a day’s pay if they go on leave.
In India’s financial capital Mumbai, early reports say cabs and autorickshaws are stay off roads protesting against the low base fare.
The Nitesh Rane-led Swabhimaan Union, which backed the bandh, said that services of nearly 10,000 cabs will be affected.
In Delhi, NCR, trade unions have gone on the strike demanding the right to collective bargaining and raising minimum wages to Rs 15000 as one of their demands.
More to follow