Normal life unaffected in Tamil Nadu due to strike

The nationwide strike by major trade unions protesting against the central government's anti-labour and economic policies did not affect life in Tamil Nadu.

The trade unions are demanding implementation of 12 demands.

Central trade union Labour Progressive Front (LPF) in a statement said around 30 lakh people participated in the strike and several thousands were arrested by police.

Public transport buses, though less in number, plied on the roads and educational institutions and school buses functioned as usual.

However, branch banking operations were affected as bank unions had declared their participation in the strike.

Bank employees and officers all over the country, including in the Reserve Bank of India, observed the strike successfully in support of the 12-point charter of demands of the National Trade Union Convention.

General Secretary, All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) C.H.Venkatachalam, said in a statement that they opposed the anti-people economic policies and anti-worker labour reforms of the Government.

In Tirupur, the thriving garment manufacturing centre in the state, several units were shut down.

Inter-state buses to Kerala -- where the lockdown was total -- were halted at the state borders inconveniencing passengers.

However, factories located in the industrial belt like Maraimalai Nagar, Sriperumbudur and others were functioning as usual.

--IANS

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