Auto, bank unions to join nationwide strike today

With government employees and many of those working in the private sector going on a one-day countrywide strike today, the State Government has sprung into action and has warned its employees against joining the strike. The strike has been called by eight major trade unions including Congress-affiliated INTUC against price rise, violation of labour laws and disinvestment of PSUs.

“Nearly six crore workers will participate in the strike across the country. Those employed in the private sector will also join the strike in many places,” AITUC general secretary and CPI MP Gurudas Dasgupta said on Monday.

In Mumbai, auto-rickshaw union, employees of state and nationalised banks, teachers, and State Government employees have decided to join the nationwide strike.

However, the Maharashtra Government has warned its employees of severe action if they join the strike. The warning was issued after State Government Employees Union President RG Karnik served a notice to the government stating that the state employees will join the strike.

The government also convened a meeting to discuss steps to ensure smooth functioning of government offices and essential public services such as trains.

Maharashtra AITUC leader told Mumbai Mirror, “Teachers and mathadi workers will join the strike.” Class 3 and class 4 employees of State-run hospitals will also participate.

However, services like milk delivery and other essential services will not be hit, he added.

Auto drivers’ union leader Sharad Rao has appealed to all auto drivers to participate in the strike. But the Taximen Union has decided to not participate in the strike.

Taximen’s Union chief A L Quadros said, “We have already participated in three strikes in the last three months. We are only lending moral support to the Tuesday’s strike. We have already incurred losses. Drivers can’t afford another strike.”

“We expect the State Government to give us ample police protection so that no damage is caused to the taxis,” a Taximen Union member said on condition on anonymity.

BST and Railways will be operating as usual.