Strike peaceful in city

Vijayawada: The all India strike call given by the central trade unions evoked mixed response in the city on Friday. A peaceful strike was observed in the city and parts of Krishna district. A large number of working people, Anganwadis, Asha, auto, transport workers participated in the strike and demanded Rs 18,000 wage per month.

The strike call was given for resolving the 12 demands. Workers and employees raised slogans against the Central and State governments policies by holding placards.The State and Central government employees, including banks and insurance companies, participated in the strike.

They demanded that the Central government should withdraw the unilateral labour reforms and anti-workers policies. Due to all India strike banks, insurance, State government offices were closed.

The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) employees also came out from offices and participated in the strike. Autonagar was affected by the strike. All transport workers, including mechanics, garage workers, participated in the strike. Transporting companies were affected partially by the strike. APSRTC officers operated buses as usual in the city.

The trade unions took out a massive procession from Radham Centre to Lenin Centre via KR Market, low bridge, old government hospital, Police Control Room, Eluru road and Besant road. Central trade unions AITUC, CITU, INTUC, BMS, IFTU, YSRTU and other trade union State leaders participated in the procession. Left parties leaders P Madhu and K Ramakrishna extended full support to the strike.

Trade unions organised a public meeting at Lenin Centre. Speaking on the occasion, CITU State secretary MA Gafoor said that working people launched a tirade against the Central and State governments. Both the governments turned towards corporate sector and acting in favour of them, he alleged.