Date:27/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/27/stories/2008072760460300.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Indefinite bus strike from August 5

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Private bus workers in Kochi will go on an indefinite strike in Kochi from August 5, demanding fair wages.

A press release issued by the Samyukta Samara Samithi of the workers said the strike follows the failure of talks between them and the owners, convened in the presence of the district labour officer and District Collector.

The Labour Department and the Regional Transport Office have not taken action against bus owners, despite workers not being given wages fixed by the government.

A statement from Private Bus Workers’ Coordination Committee, Ernakualm, said though the bus fares were raised following hike in fuel charges, the owners had refused to consider increasing the wages that came into effect in 1986.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Travel Operators’ Association said in a press release that taxi operators too would go on strike.

The demands include 30 per cent rate hike and a ban on call taxis, said Vivek Sankar, secretary.