Most of the shops, markets and other business units remained closed and public transport was severely affected in Kozhikode district on the first day of the two-day national strike called by Central trade unions against Union government’s anti-labour policies, on Monday.
A couple of unruly incidents were reported from different parts of the district.
P. Libijith and Shinisha, a couple from Govindapuram in Kozhikode city, filed a complaint with the police accusing the strike supporters of damaging their autorickshaw when they were returning from a temple in the morning. The family, including their two children, alleged that the incident happened near the electric crematorium on Mavoor Road. The front glass of the vehicle was broken.
A temporary shop set up under Arayadathupalam flyover in Kozhikode had good patronage on Monday as most other eateries were closed due to the trade union strike. | Photo Credit: K. Ragesh
In another incident, Sujit, a football referee from Odisha, who had come to Kerala to attend a national championship had to face an unpleasant situation. Some people deflated the tyres of an autorickshaw he had boarded to the railway station from he was supposed to catch a train to Coimbatore. Later, the police helped him reach the station.
K.P. Sreedharan, a functionary of the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti in Koyilandy, alleged that he was manhandled by a group of strike supporters after he tried to open his shop. They also sprayed cowhage seed powder on his body.
The Kerala Road Transport Corporation did not operate its services. Most of the shops, except a few shops selling tea, coffee and snacks, were shut. Major markets in Kozhikode city such as the one at Palayam and Valiyangadi, too did not function. Fruits and vegetables were seen left in the open outside some shops in Palayam. Business units on Mavoor Road and S.M. Street, the main commercial areas in the city, too remained shut.
Migrant labourers trying to fit into an autorickshaw at the Kozhikode railway station as public transport was affected by the strike on Monday. | Photo Credit: K. Ragesh
Private vehicles, both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, were seen plying on the roads. Though branches of public sector banks such as the State Bank of India were open, there were no customers in many places. Police vans and vehicles arranged by volunteers were stationed outside the Kozhikode railway station to help passengers reach their destinations.
Fuel outlets did not function in many places. There were reports about a skirmish between those supporting the strike and petrol outlet staff in Mukkom.
Meanwhile, activists of the trade union coordination committee took out a march on Mavoor Road.
Livelihood of daily wagers hit
Meanwhile, the strike has affected the livelihood of daily wage workers who are already reeling under a financial crisis caused by the pandemic.
“I have no idea what this strike is for,” said Shinod A.V, a driver from Puthiyara in the city, adding that a large number of people like him shared the sentiments. Having lost his stationery business to the pandemic, Shinod is struggling to make both ends meet, being the sole breadwinner of the family. His wife, who was a salesgirl, recently lost her job too. “I am 51-years-old. Nobody will give me a job at this age,” he said.
Though trade unions have issued a statement that private vehicles will not be stopped during the strike, most people are reluctant to take their vehicles out for fear of being attacked.
Harish Tharammal, an AC technician, is frustrated over having lost two working days in the peak season. “We find most of our work during the months of March, April and May. We have to earn enough during these months and save for the rainy season, when we may not have any work at all,” he said, adding that two days of not being able to go out and work is a great loss. “Such strikes should have been avoided as people are still in recovery mode from the crisis induced by COVID. People in other States are not even aware of this strike,” he added.
Shantha.K, a house maid, has been jobless for the past four days. She has to travel 10 kilometres to the house where she works three days a week. She could not go to work for three days due to the bus strike and now due to the two-day trade union strike. She is supporting a family of four and is worried about a jobless week.
