Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Updated
Mangaluru, Sep 2: Supporting the nationwide bandh on Wednesday September 2, various trade unions like CITU, AITUC, INTUC, HMS along with those affiliated to various organizations held a protest near the DC's office here against the 'anti-labour' policies of the BJP-led central government.
The strike was called in support of the 12-point charter of demands of 10 central trade unions. Fourteen unions in the banking sector too have given a call for the strike, protesting against the NDA government's proposed bills amending labour laws, the Contract Act, the Electricity Act and Factory Act. The bandh recieved good response in Mangaluru with a majority of shops and businesses shutting down and schools and colleges remaining closed due to absence of buses. However, by afternoon, some of the shops opened and people were seen at markets.
Addressing the protest, state secretary of INTUC, Sadashiva Shetty said, "This labour policy by the union government is a threat to the security of the working class. It is against the welfare of the labour class. This will deprive basic benefits to labourers.
"In future, the labour class should be ready to go severe protests demanding withdrawal of the proposed policies by the union government. The proposed policies are not visionary and not in favour of labourers," he added.
AIBEA leader Vincent said, "The proposed labour policies of BJP-led NDA union government deprives the labourers from many benefits and instead favours the employer. The centre's policies are not in favour of the working class, but leaning towards interests of the corporates. This amendment will curb the rights of the working class. In the proposed amendment, the minimum wage is Rs 3,600 per month, which will weaken the labourers. Even the ESI and PF are given as options to labourers. This will hamper the growth of the labour class. If the government doesn't agrees to our demand we will hold severe protests in future."
Rafeeq of HMS termed the proposed labour policies as 'anti-labour'.
CITU leader Vasantha Acharaya welcomed the gathering.
Earlier Report
Mangaluru: Nationwide bandh hits city, stones pelted at buses
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje / Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Sep 2: The nationwide strike and bandh, called by 10 central trade unions, is being observed in Mangaluru city. The roads were seen empty as the vehicles did not ply.
However, the bandh began on a disturbing note as stone-pelting was reported in a few parts of the city. Stones were also pelted at some of the college buses.
A tyre burning incident was reported from Bangra Kulur and three buses damaged by stone pelting at Padil. All the three buses - Mysuru-Udupi, Shamboor-Mangaluru and Mangaluru-Madanthyar belong KSRTC. Matapathi the driver of one of these buses has been injured.
Except for the stone-pelting incidents, the situation has remained largely peaceful. The police have stepped up security in the city.
The passengers who arrived in buses and trains in the early hours were stranded as they did not find transport to take them to their destinations.
Private and government bus unions are also participating in the bandh. Schools and colleges remain closed with the ongoing exams being postponed.
The railways is not participating in the strike. A few auto rickshaws are seen on the road.
Essential services like supply of dairy products, fire and ambulance will not be affected, it is believed.