BHUBANESWAR: The 24-hour nationwide strike called by trade unions disrupted normal life at several places across Odisha on Wednesday.
Workers participated in shutdown by the CPM affiliated Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) across the state to protest against Centre’s ‘disinvestment, privatisation and anti-labour policies’, pressing for 12-point demands including fixing minimum wage and equal wage for equal work.
The protesters hit the streets, alleging the government failed to tackle challenges posed by the crisis-ridden economy, but is busy privatising and selling public sector units (PSUs).
The vehicular traffic and train services were affected across the state due to the strike.
Apart from CITU, nine other trade unions — Indian National Trade Union Congress, All India Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, All India United Trade Union Centre, Trade Union Coordination Centre, Self Employed Women’s Association, All India Central Council of Trade Unions, Labour Progressive Federation, United Trade Union Congress — took part in the bandh.
The BJP-affiliated Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh did not participate in the nationwide strike.
The ruling Biju Janata Dal did not extend its support to the protest.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Niranjan Patnaik claimed “total success” of the strike and said the “overwhelming response” of the people reflected rejection of the Modi’s poor economic policy.
“The overwhelming response to the one-day strike reveals the discontentment of the people over the government’s policies. The success of the strike sends a strong message to PM for course correction or face the consequence in the future,” said Mr Patnaik.
