Kolkata taxis' indefinite strike from Sep 18

Kolkata taxi drivers have decided to go on an indefinite strike from Sep 18 to protest police "excesses" while demanding a fare hike.

To add to the woes of the commuters, transport workers affiliated to eight central trade unions, including the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Indian National Trade Union Congress and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) have called a transport strike Sep 19 to express solidarity with the cabbies.

CITU leader Anadi Sahu told IANS Wednesday: "There are other issues affecting state transport employees. They have been hit hard by a 25 percent wage cut, and have not received any annual bonus this time."

Taxis kept off roads Wednesday with transport workers affiliated to the eight central trade unions taking out a rally from College Square in north Kolkata to Metro Channel in the city's centre.

Taxi drivers have pulled off their vehicles from the city roads on seven occasions since August by calling wildcat strikes or protest walks as part of their movement against alleged police "excesses".

At the centre of the dispute is the government decision to increase the fine for passenger refusal from Rs.100 to Rs.3,000 to combat repeated complaints.

The government earlier this month arrested 22 drivers for vandalism as they damaged taxis which did not heed to their call and continued plying. They were released on bail after spending four days in jail.

About 37,000 taxis run in the city daily.