(REOPENS DEL 46)

Opposing the contract labour policy, the Unions have also demanded regular employment for jobs of perennial nature. They are also demanding pensions for everyone along with removal of ceiling on bonus and provident fund. A statement issued by the Trade Unions yesterday also claimed that federations of road transport, port and dock, petroleum, coal, steel and building and construction will also be on strike. "Banking, insurance and other financial sector workers will also remain on strike," it had said. Dasgupta had yesterday said that the unions decided to go on strike as the government was not interested in listening to their demands and has not responded despite their protest call. "The last minute meeting called by Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge on February 13 resulted in further strengthening of resolve for strike as government could not come forward to resolve any of the issues concerning Labour Ministry," he had said. He had claimed that over 100 million workers will participate in the strike. National Secretary of AITUC Amarjeet Kaur, had said that said if the government did not act after the strike, the Unions will intensify their agitation. "If the government still does not listen, there will be intensification.... We want government to take concrete steps like stopping the deregulation of petrol and diesel prices. They should have price fixation policy. They should have universal ration system, they should control hoarding and black marketing also," she had said.