Two-day strike likely to hit life

A nationwide strike called by various trade bodies on Tuesday and Wednesday is likely to throw life out of gear across the state.

Several trade bodies, transport employees unions, including KSRTC and BMTC, taxi operators and bank employees union have extended support to the ‘general strike’ in protest against the anti-people policies of the Centre.

Sources in the transport sector told DH that the strike will be supported by the All India Trade Union Congress, CITU and Indian National Trade Union Congress — the three major trade unions.

Anantha Subba Rao, vice-president of CITU, said employees of all transport companies of the state will take part in the strike. “The centre must withdraw the amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act and protect the interests of the transport sector,” he said.

As the KSRTC and BMTC employees union has extended support to the strike, there will be disruption in those services. The dawn-to-dusk bandh on both days is supported by other smaller transport bodies like autorickshaw unions and taxi operators' associations. However the Bengaluru-based Adarsha Auto and Taxi Drivers’ Union said they will not take part.

With the bank employees union, too, supporting the strike, banking transactions are likely to be affected in several places. The Karnataka State Government Employees Association is also supporting the strike, suggesting disruption of services at government offices too.

Educational institutions have only expressed moral support. The respective deputy commissioners will review the situation and take a call on closure of schools and colleges.