Tipper lorries to launch indefinite strike

Kochi: Tipper lorries in the state will go on indefinite strike from March 21, in protest against the alleged suspension of drivers’ license by Motor Vehicle Department officials. “MVD officials are illegally suspending drivers’ licence. The officials are not citing any valid reason for suspending the document. There are more than 7000 tipper lorries in the state. In last three months, license of 570 drivers in Ernakulam district have been suspended for three months. Their source of livelihood has been hit. They have to pay Rs.10, 000 to Rs.15, 000 in the court to get back the license,” said Johnson Padamadan, secretary of the Association while addressing a press conference here on Monday.

The officials are suspending the license in violation of the Union Motor Vehicle Act. A memorandum has been submitted to the Chief Minister against the injustice to tipper drivers and the serious irregularities in Motor Vehicle Department, the Association representatives added. If the strike is continued for a week, construction sector, which is already in a deep crisis due to several factors like GST, will come to a complete standstill. The local bodies’ annual Plan fund works which have to be complete by March 31 will also be affected.