An indefinite strike launched by a joint committee of trade unions of Supplyco (Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation) staff partially hit operations of the corporation’s outlets on Wednesday.
About one-third of the outlets remained closed on the first day whereas nearly 750 outlets functioned as normal, as per official estimates. “However, the situation is expected to improve and more outlets will open in the coming days as those on probation are set to withdraw from the strike,” said A.T. Joy, Managing Director, Supplyco.
Police personnel have been deployed in front of the stores to ensure smooth operations.
Determined to counter the strike, the government decided to impose dies non (no work, no pay) on the striking employees while those on probation and contract face the prospect of termination from service. “Further, we have also sought to invoke provisions of ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act) in the event of a prolonged strike putting the public to hardships,” Mr. Joy said.
The official said steps had been taken to ensure the supply of commodities to the Onam markets.
Meanwhile, the employees said only 20 per cent of the outlets functioned on Wednesday. “Apart from 1,489 corporation staff, about 8,000 contract employees have joined the protest. However, 1,166 people working on deputation from the other departments are not taking part,” said N.A. Mani, convener, trade union joint committee.
The employees called for an indefinite strike raising various demands, including doing away with the deputation system, filing of vacancies and adequate promotions for workers, minimum wages for daily workers, and basic facilities like toilets at Supplyco outlets.
