Trade Unions, women workers intensify agitation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Striking plantation workers today intensified their agitation by blocking roads at Munnar in Idukki district and various other places to put pressure on the government to find a solution to the stir.

Following the failure of fourth round of talks of the Plantation Labour committee, called by the state government here yesterday, the united trade unions and women workers of 'Pembilai Orumai' have decided to intensify their protest.

In Munnar, the trade unions have begun blocking roads in at least 15 places, throwing movement of traffic haywire and straining the Tourism industry. Essential services have been exempted from the blockade.

Tourists have asked police to allow movement of their vehicles at Munnar, a well-known hilly tourist spot.

The 'Pembilai Orumai' workers, who are spearheading an independent agitation for hike in wages, have asked the merchants to down shutters in support of their cause.

Protests are also being held in front of plantations in Kollam and Palakkad districts.

Over three lakh plantation workers of various estates in Kerala are on strike since the past two weeks demanding hike in minimum daily wages from Rs 232 to Rs 500.