Nationwide to protest new labour codes today

T'puram: The nationwide general strike called by the trade unions, CITU, INTUC among others, on Wednesday will virtually turn into a total hartal in the state. The trade unions have asked the people not to operate private vehicles and not to open shops and establishments to support the strike.

The opposition trade unions and service organisations in the state had announced their support for the 24-hour strike, which started on Tuesday midnight. The unions have raised 17 demands, including the withdrawal of the central govt's new labour codes. Organisers claimed that all trade unions, except BMS, had joined the strike.

The trade unions also demand a minimum monthly wage of Rs 26,000 be ensured for all organised and contract workers, and the policy of privatising public sector enterprises retracted. The strike is spearheaded by 10 national trade unions.

As various service organisations and employee federations join the strike along with the trade unions, there is a high likelihood that normal life in Kerala will come to a halt on Wednesday. Private buses, autorickshaws and taxis will stay away from the roads.