Labour Ministry says strike had minimal impact

As a day-long nationwide strike was observed today by various trade unions, the government said the call did not have much impact even as it hinted at meeting the workers' "aspirations" on nine out of 12 demands.
"The impact of the strike call given by some of the Central Trade Unions has not been felt much in the most parts of the country as per information received from all over the country," Labour Ministry said in a press release.
It further said that out of 12 central trade unions, two did not join the strike, three unions remained neutral and only seven unions went on strike.

"It indicates that the workers want to settle their demands through the dialogue and discussion. The workers are in agreement with the Government and are looking forward to positive steps taken by the Government on nine of their twelve demands which will be met as per their aspirations," the Ministry said.
The ten unions, however, said in a joint statement that the response to the strike call was "unprecedented" with "millions of workers" staying away from work.
Labour Ministry said the situation by and large remained normal and peaceful across the country.

"Most of the employees attended their offices. Trains, buses, auto rickshaws, lorries plied as usual. There has been minimal effect in banking, coal, major ports and defence production units. The essential services functioned more or less normally," it added.

An Inter-Ministerial Committee constituted by the Prime Minister had earlier held several rounds of meetings with the representatives of Central Trade Unions to discuss their demands.
The Ministry said the government is positive on many of their demands without any pressure and has expressed its commitment to ensure the welfare of workers.