The nationwide strike called by the joint trade unions received a mixed response in Kerala. The strike significantly affected public transport services.
The State government has declared a dies non and directed its employees to report for duty. The majority of shops and establishments remained shut across Kerala.
Essential services were excluded from the strike. Universities in Kerala postponed their examinations. Employee unions affiliated with the BMS did not participate in the strike, terming it politically motivated. The 24-hour strike will last until midnight today.
Essential services, railway and tourism sectors are excluded from the strike. Universities in Kerala have postponed all examniations in view of the Bharat Bandh. Kannur University announced that MBA second semester exam scheduled for July 9 will be held on July 27.
Though the Kerala government declared a ‘dies non’ restricting its staff from taking leave on Wednesday, the general strike is expected to hit all services, including government offices and educational institutions in Kerala. The public transport system is also affected as private buses and some sections of the KSRTC bus workers decided to support the strike. Shops including eateries are remaining shut across Kerala.
Only the BJP-affiliated trade union, BMS, is not participating in the strike. All major trade unions, including INTUC and CITU, have backed the protest announced against the central government’s policies.
According to the trade union leaders, more than 25 crore workers affiliated with central and sectoral trade unions are observing the strike to protest against new labour codes and privatisation, and press for demands such as minimum wage of Rs 26,000 per month and old pension scheme.