Transport unions’ strike hits normal life in Kerala

The dawn-to-dusk strike called by transport workers’ unions in Kerala demanding roll back of petrol price hike disrupted normal life across the State on Friday.

The protest crippled mobility of people relying on public modes of transport as taxis and auto rickshaws kept off the road in most places, especially cities and towns, reports from different centres said.

Trucks and other commercial vehicles operating within the State are also on strike.

However, private vehicles were plying.

The protest was called by Joint Coordination Committee of motor workers’ unions, affiliated to central trade unions including the pro-Congress INTUC.

The unions rejected the plea of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to desist from strike in view of his government deciding to forgo the tax accruing to the State exchequer from the price increase.