Nationwide strike - buses, rickshaws likely to stay off roads on Feb 20, 21

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore/Udupi (VM)

Mangalor/Udupi, Feb 19: In the wake of nationwide strike called by all the major central trade unions on February 20 and 21, movement of auto rickshaw and buses is expected to come to a halt in the city.

But the Canara bus owners association and Udupi city bus owners association have not extended their support to the strike.

The All India transport workers federation which includes major trade unions have asked owners to stop plying their buses, trucks, car and other vehicles on these two days said Vasanth Achary, CITU chief secretary.

The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh will also extend the support for the strick said state president Ramakrishna Poonja. Ramesh Shetty, vice president of Karavali Bus Naukara Sangha (KBNS) assured their support to all the strikes supported by BMS.

We do not want protest, say bus owners

In connection to the general strike called for rise in price of essential commodities, the Canara bus owners association have clearly that they are not part of the strike.

During the two days of strike, there are many festive occasions and weddings and hence people’s problem will be worsened if protest is organized in these two days. Hence the labour organizations should understand this, said the bus owners association adding that the buses will run as usual on both the days.

Statement by Auto rickshaw drivers association

The federation of Karnataka auto drivers (CITU) will support the strike said Federation district president Sunil Kumar Bajal and LT Suvarna, chief secretary. Dasamsa Udupi district chief convener Jayan Malpe and Sunder Kapettu have also assured their support.

Support from bank associations

The strike called by major central trade unions placing 10 demands before the government of Feb 20 and 21, the district united forum of bank associations have also assured their support, stated a press release.

Around 25,000 bank employees in the district will take part in the protest and they have asked people to do their important transactions before February 20 to avoid problems.