Kerala Trade Union Strike Hits Transport and Daily Life
A nationwide strike called by trade unions against new Labour Codes brought daily life in Kerala to a standstill on Thursday. The 24-hour protest has caused widespread disruptions to public transport, banking, and government services.
Impact on Government Offices and Salaries
The Kerala government declared “dies-non” for its employees to discourage participation in the strike. This means that any unauthorized absence by an official will result in a loss of pay for the day.
The General Administration Department issued a strict order regarding leave:
- Unauthorised absence will be treated as a break in service.
- Salaries for the strike day will be withheld from March 2026 payments.
- Leave will only be granted for serious reasons, such as personal illness, maternity leave, or exams.
Despite these warnings, attendance at government offices remained low as most transport vehicles stayed off the roads.
Major Disruptions to Transport and Business
Commuters faced significant challenges as both KSRTC and private buses stopped operations. Auto-rickshaws and many taxi unions also joined the strike, leaving many travelers stranded.
In Kochi, one passenger shared their frustration: “I’ve been waiting for a bus since 6 a.m. to get home after my night shift. Since no buses are running, I’ll have to wait a bit longer or try to catch a local train instead.”
While public transport was paralyzed, there was some relief in urban areas:
- Kochi Metro remained operational.
- Online taxi services continued to function in some parts of the city.
- Essential services like hospitals, milk, and newspapers were exempted.
Assistance for Pilgrims and Travelers
To help those arriving from other states, police operated special buses at various railway stations. Additionally, KSRTC announced limited services to Pamba from stations like Chengannur and Thiruvananthapuram to assist pilgrims heading to the Sabarimala temple for the Meenam month pooja.
Peaceful Protests Across the State
Although trade unions organized rallies and meetings in every district, no violence was reported in the morning. Police were deployed throughout the state to maintain order and ensure the safety of those not participating in the strike.
Also Read : President Trump Calls New US-India Trade Deal a “Historic” Milestone
