Trade Unions strike ends peacefully
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 21 2013:
The 2-day long nationwide general strike called by the Central Trade Unions against UPA's economic policy which allegedly supports only corporate houses while leaving the poor to bear the brunt of recession, ended peaceful in the State.
On the second and final day of the general strike, all the inter-state bus services including public transport stayed off the roads.
Most of the educational institutions, both private and Government, also remained closed.
Attendance record in most private and Government establishments was also reported to be low.
Major markets, including the Kwairamband bazaar at Imphal remained closed during the strike.
Both private and public financial institutions and fuel stations also down their shutters.
However, private vehicles were seen moving on the roads as usual.
The trade unions have put forward a charter of ten demands before the government.
The demands include taking up urgent steps to control price rise, strict enforcement of labour laws in all work places, social security net for workers in un-organised sector, to end disinvestment in PSUs, raising the minimum wage to Rs 10,000 a month, awarding exemplary punishment to corrupt persons, providing 35 kgs of rice to all families at Rs 2 per kg; providing maternity benefit to all women, providing 200 days of MGNRGES work and payment of Rs 200 as wage per day and to reduce the price of all essential commodities.
Meanwhile, the indefinite bandh called by VDF in Manipur demanding hike in their monthly salary continues.