Normal life was thrown out of gear and trade and industrial sectors in the commercial hub of Kochi came to a grinding halt in the State-wide strike called by trade unions on Monday in protest against the Union government’s labour policy permitting companies to ‘hire and fire.’
While public transport was hit keeping private and KSRTC buses, autorickshaws and taxis off the road, private vehicles were out in large numbers and were more or less allowed to operate freely. As hotels and restaurants remained shut, people who had to work and those reaching railway stations had a tough time.
Social worker Murugan distributed rice gruel to the hungry as his vehicle supplying the food reached important points like Kaloor, Palarivattom, Ernakulam South railway station and Kacherippady.
The coordination committee of trade unions staged protest marches across the district even as they claimed the strike to be a runaway success. Protest marches were held at 32 centres across the district. CITU national secretary K. Chandran Pillai inaugurated the protest march in the city.
Inmates of the General Hospital queue up for food as all shops were closed during the day. Free distribution of food is a feature of the hospital.
Workers arrested
The arrest of 25-odd workers who had struck work and were preparing to stage a protest march by Infopark police led to some tense moments. They were released at the intervention of trade union leaders who took up the matter with the Assistant Commissioner of Police.
The strike took its toll on the functioning of public sector enterprises like the Cochin Port Trust, Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal, Cochin Shipyard, Kochi Refinery, HOCL, etc. While all offices in the Civil Station functioned, the staff strength remained low. Some firms, including a bank, had to down the shutters at the direction of protesting workers.
Tenison at PSC exam centre
Tension prevailed in front of a school at Ponnurunni hosting a PSC exam after the organisers of the exam rejected the demand of those who accompanied the candidates to allow a room within the school to rest during the course of the exam in view of the strike. Police soon emerged on the scene following heated exchanges but the organisers didn’t budge and, in keeping with the practice during PSC exams, locked the gate by leaving out all except the candidates taking the exam that lasted between 10.30 a.m. and 12.15 p.m.
The acquaintances of candidates, including women with toddlers, had a tough time as they were left to brave scorching heat without food or water as all shops and hotels remained closed owing to the strike. They also questioned the decision to hold the exam on a strike day.
