Strike to cripple normal life in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The two-day nationwide strike called by Central trade unions from tomorrow is likely to cripple normal life across Kerala with workers from varied sectors including transport and banking joining the protest against the Centre's economic and labour policies.

The state government has declared 'dies non' (no work, no pay) as pro-Left service and teachers unions are also striking work.

Emergency services like medical services, milk supply and media have been exempted from the purview of the strike, AITUC leader Kanam Rajendran said.

The unions have put forward a charter of 10 demands such as urgent steps to control price rise, strict enforcement of labour laws in all places of work, social security net for workers in the unorganised sector, end to disinvestment in PSUs and raising minimum wage to Rs 10,000 a month.

Apart from unions owing allegiance to the Left, the pro-Congress INTUC and pro-BJP BMS are also participating in the strike.