48-hr Bharat bandh from tomorrow

BHUBANESWAR: All the national-level trade unions would observe two-day Bharat bandh starting from Wednesday demanding social security for the labourers, implementation of labour law, controlling of price hike and minimum wage for labourers.

Trade unions like Bharat Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) and employees’ federation are supporting the general strike.

The nationalised banks, business establishments, educational institutions, Government offices would be remain closed during the 48-hour long bandh. Private and public transportation including train, bus and autorickshaw services would not be available on the days, informed the trade union leaders of the State.

The trade union members would conduct picketing before the private banks, PSUs, Central Government offices and on the road during the bandh hours. The industrial workers would also start picketing in front of the main offices, said the leaders. “We have appealed to the people of the State to cooperate the trade unions that fight for the cause of the common people,” said AICCTU State secretary Mahendra Parida.

In Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the trade union leaders appealed to the City bus authorities to cooperate the general strike. If they would not pay heed to our appeal, we would hold picketing in front of the City buses in the twin city,” said Parida.   

In their 14-piont charter of demands, the federations highlighted price rise and demanded universal food security with 50kg cereals per family along with pulses and cooking oil. The demanded concrete measures for employment generation, pension for all at a rate not less than the minimum wage, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days of submission of application and security and protection of women workers. They also demanded the Government to stop encroachment of land and natural resources of peasants, tribals and dalits.