Private buses keep off the roads in Kochi city

: Private buses were off the roads in the city today after workers union called for a token strike following the bus owners' refusal to agree to a wage hike.
The workers Union, represented by the Private Bus workers Coordination Committee, had demanded a 20 per cent wage hike, which was turned down by bus owners at a meeting called on sunday by the Additional District magistrate.
Various unions, including INTUC, CITU, AITUC, BMS have extended support for the strike.
Office goers were put to hardship due to the strike.
Over 600 private buses ply in the city.