Commuters hit hard by trade unions' strike

NEW DELHI: Commuters had a harrowing time in Delhi today as a large number of autos and taxis remained off the roads as part of the one-day strike called by central trade unions.

People were seen waiting for hours for auto rickshaws in several parts of the city, even as public services like metro and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses witnessed surge in number of passengers.

Office-goers and students were especially hit hard by the strike during morning hours.

The government had yesterday appealed to trade unions to call off the agitation in the interest of workers and nation.

The unions decided to go ahead with the strike as their talks with a ministerial panel headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley did not make any headway on their 12-point charter of demands.

The charter of demands includes urgent measures to contain price rise, contain unemployment, strict enforcement of basic labour laws, universal social security cover for all workers and minimum wage of Rs 15,000 per month.

Trade union leaders claimed that around 15 crore formal sector workers are on strike.

They are also demanding enhanced pension for workers, stoppage of disinvestment in PSUs, stoppage of contractorisation, removal of ceiling on bonus and provident fund, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days, no amendment to labour laws unilaterally and stopping of FDI in railways, defence, etc.