Workers in Assam stage demonstrations in support of nationwide strike

GUWAHATI — Commercial vehicles remained off the roads in Assam on Wednesday as members of several unions including tea garden workers staged demonstrations across the state in support of the nationwide strike called by trade unions to oppose the Central government's alleged "anti-labour" policies.

State units of almost all transport workers' bodies have lent their support to the strike, bringing the sector to a halt in the state.

Commercial vehicles, including buses and trucks, remained off the roads, though services of school buses and vehicles engaged in emergency services were not affected.

Also read: Nationwide strike by trade unions in protest against Centre's 'anti-labour' policies

Among the state units that are supporting the strike are All India Road Transport Federation, North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union, All Assam Motor Workers United Forum, All Assam Day-Night Bus Drivers Association, All Assam Cab Operators Union and North East Heavy Goods Carrier Truck Owners and Drivers Welfare Association.

In Guwahati, city buses as well as app-based taxis went off the roads, creating problems for commuters.

Power sector workers staged a protest in front of Bijulee Bhawan, which houses the state electricity companies, demanding the repeal of "anti-worker laws".

"We have been seeing that the present government is privatising power companies in different states. The power sector is for the welfare of the people and cannot be used as a revenue-collecting department. We demand that this key sector be protected," a protestor said.

Similar demonstrations were staged by workers of different unions across the state, including in Dibrugarh.

Tea garden workers also joined the strike in different parts, raising demand for increase of daily wage to Rs 351 and implementation of welfare measures.

The nationwide general strike has been called by the Joint Platform of Trade Unions, which comprises 10 central trade unions (CTUs) along with independent all-India sectoral federations and associations. The strike has been supported by the trade unions and Left parties in the state.