Eleven central trade unions and workers’ federations have called for a two-day nationwide strike from February 20 in protest against the government’s “inaction” on price rise and alleged violation of labour laws.
“For the first time, all trade unions have come together for a two-day strike as the government has not taken any action to look into the problems of the sky-rise inflation, disinvestment in public sector units and non-implementation of labour laws,” All India United Trade Union Centre General Secretary Gurudas Dasgupta said.
The unions have decided to go for the strike as the government is not interested in listening to their demands and has not responded with anything despite our call for it, he added.
“A last-minute meeting called by Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge on February 13 resulted in further strengthening of resolve for strike as the government could not come forward to resolve any of the issues concerning the Labour Ministry,” he said.
Asked what the course of action would be after the strike, Dasgupta said: “We shall cross the bridge when we reach there. Till then let us have this two-day strike.”
He claimed over 100 million workers would participate in the strike. “The central trade unions regret the inconvenience to be caused to the public and appeal for its support,” he added.
The strike has been called jointly by the Bhartiya Majdoor Sangh, All India Trade union Congress, All India Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India United Trade Union Centre and other such organisations.
The Independent Federation of Workers and Employees, too, have joined the protests. AITUC national secretary Amarjeet Kaur, meanwhile, said if the government does not act on the strike, the unions will intensify their agitation.
“If the government still does not buzz and does not listen, there will be intensification,” she added.
