The two-day nation-wide strike by Central trade unions to protest against the alleged anti-worker policies and unilateral labour reforms partially hit normal life on the second day here on Wednesday.
In Puducherry, employees of Central government organisations and trade unions struck work in support of their charter of demands. Attendance was thin in several Central government offices and banks. A number of shops were open providing relief to consumers.
Over 300 government employees owing allegiance to the Confederation of Government Employees Association were arrested when they attempted to picket the Legislative Assembly here. The agitators led by C.H. Balamohan took out a procession from Kamban Kalai Arangam to picket the Legislative Assembly. However, they were blocked enroute by the police near Ambour Salai and arrested.
The protesters agitators demanded the immediate implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, filling up of vacant posts in various departments and regularisation of daily rated workers among others.
Similarly, employees of the Department of Posts struck work and staged a dharna in front of the Head Post Office on Rangapillai Street in support of their demands. Workers belonging to various central trade unions led by CPI State secretary A.M. Salim and CPI (M) State secretary R. Rajangam staged a protest at Indira Gandhi Square.
