Strike called by trade unions hits normal life

Thiruvananthapuram: Normal life was affected on Monday due to a 24-hour general strike called by various trade unions demanding rollback of a central government order allowing fixed term employment across sectors.

The strike call given by 16 trade unions under the banner of United Trade Union began Sunday night.

The strike was called as the unions were protesting against a decision to allow businesses to hire fixed-term employees (FTEs) which they claim will eventually threaten job security in all sectors.

All markets, shops and establishments in the state were closed.

The state secretariat saw just around 10 per cent of the total staff of around 3,000 in attendance, while the offices of all the state ministers wore a deserted look.

In the state capital, an auto-rickshaw that carried foreign tourists was stopped and protesters deflated the tyres.

While the protesters did not prevent the movement of private vehicles, the state-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation stopped its service.

In Kochi, the metro services were operating as usual.

All university examinations in the state scheduled for Monday have been postponed.

The Centre had amended the Industrial Employment (Standing Order) Central Rules, 1946, through a gazette notification on March 16. The union leaders allege that the new order virtually gives the employer the right to 'hire and fire' workers.

Kerala Union of Working Journalists extended support to the strike call.

(With input from agencies)