With 10 central unions observing a nationwide strike against new farm and labour laws, public services were affected on November 26. Left parties and trade unions were seen protesting across several states, including, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Odisha. CPI(M) and Congress blocked railways tracks in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas and Jadavpur. Bus services were affected in Kerala. Banking operations are expected to take a hit as the All India Bank Employees’ Association are supporting the all-India strike.
All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Trade Union Co-ordination Centre (TUCC), United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) and taking part in the nationwide strike.
The strike called by the trade unions hit normal life in Kerala as government offices, banks and businesses remained closed, according to PTI. Private buses, auto rickshaws and taxis also stayed off the roads. The movement of vehicles was also disrupted in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Rayagada, and Gunupur areas, India Today reported.
Farmers, domestic helpers, construction workers, beedi sellers, hawkers, vendors, agricultural workers, self-employed citizens in rural and urban areas, auto and taxi drivers, railway, defence employees also participated in the strike, according to the Hindustan Times.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh did not participate in the strike.