Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is bracing for a near-total shutdown tomorrow as trade unions across the country prepare for a 24 hour all India strike starting at midnight. The strike, spearheaded by various national labour federations, is a protest against what they describe as the central government’s anti-labour policies.
In Kerala, both Left-affiliated and UDF-backed unions are joining the agitation but with differing targets. While Left unions are protesting against the central government, UDF-aligned organizations like the INTUC will simultaneously raise their voices against the state government, accusing it of failing to address worker grievances.
Bus, auto, and taxi services are expected to come to a standstill throughout Kerala. Despite a statement from Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar assuring that KSRTC buses would operate normally, union leaders have strongly contradicted this. CITU State President and LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan clarified that all KSRTC unions have already issued strike notices and will fully participate in tomorrow's action. He criticized the minister’s remarks, suggesting misinformation from his office.
Most central and state government offices, including collectorates, will remain shut. Banking operations, including those at nationalized and private sector banks, will be suspended for the day. Insurance services including LIC and other providers will also not function.
Although the government has not officially declared a holiday for educational institutions, classes at schools and colleges are unlikely to be held as a large section of teaching and non-teaching staff will join the strike.
Shops, markets, malls, and courier services are expected to down shutters. Telecom services may also be partially disrupted, depending on employee participation in the strike. While most restaurants are expected to remain closed, hotels offering lodging services will continue to function.
Essential services have been kept out of the strike’s purview. These include milk distribution, hospital and pharmacy services, newspaper delivery, water supply, and fire and emergency response. Vehicles carrying passengers to airports and railway stations will be allowed to operate. Tourism-related transport and activities tied to pre-booked marriages have also been exempted.
Trade union leaders claim that Kerala is likely to witness a complete shutdown, given the widespread participation of unions and the public sector workforce. While BMS the labour wing of the BJP has opted out of the strike, all other major unions are on board, either collectively or independently.
As midnight approaches, the state gears up for a day of silence on the streets, closed shutters across markets, and a strong message from workers united against what they call a systematic erosion of labor rights.