Strike against pension reforms called off in Kerala

The indefinite strike called by a section of the government employees and teachers was withdrawn in the early morning hours on Monday. A small section of the employees, backed by the Left parties and BJP, began the strike on January 8 against the introduction of the Contributory Pension Fund (CPF) scheme.

Leaders of the striking unions held discussions with finance minister K M Mani on Sunday night and then with chief minister Oommen Chandy.

Chief minister has held his ground, categorically stating the CPF would not be withdrawn, adding that the government will solve the issues while implementing the scheme. The scheme will be introduced from April 1 of this year and the government will constitute a high-level committee to settle the various issues raised by the employees organisations.

Statutory pension scheme will continue for existing staff. But, for those joining service from April 1, CPF scheme will be applicable.

The six-day-long strike created hassles for the public and the employees as violent incidents were reported from across various districts, especially from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The chief minister said, dies-non (legal holiday) would be applicable for those employees who participated in the strike.