Normal life was affected in the city on Wednesday due to the nation-wide strike called by central trade unions against Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance Government’s "anti-labour policies."
Activists from Left parties and other trade unions conducted demonstrations at several parts, including near Nehru Street, Indira Gandhi Statue and Rajiv Gandhi Statue.
They raised slogans against the Union Government and UT Government for adopting anti-labour policies and tweaking labour laws in favour of corporates. Around 1,000 persons were arrested and taken into custody by police personnel.
Most of traders, shop keepers and commercial establishments downed the shutters in spite of the call given by the traders’ federation against the closure of shops. Several banks and schools and educational institutions in the city remained closed.
Commuters who were heading to rural pockets were left stranded as the most of private bus operators did not operate services. Autos, share autos, tempos also kept off the roads.
The Grand Bazaar market, which houses a number of wholesale and retail vegetable outlets, looked empty as the traders kept off from their routine activities. Similarly, shops on arterial roads including Jawaharlal Nehru Street, Mahatma Gandhi Street, Kamarajar Salai, Anna Salai, Mission Street and Bussy Street remained closed.
Most of the hotels and restaurants were closed causing inconvenience to tourists. However, roadside eateries functioned as usual.
