Trade unions observe bandh today; services unaffected in Bengaluru

More than 10 central trade unions have called for a strike today. However, with slight protests across Karnataka, bandh has not affected Bengaluru yet.   

New Delhi/ Bengaluru: Transport and banking services at several places are likely to be affected due to the 'Bharat Bandh' called by all 10 central trade unions along with different federations being organised to protest against "anti-worker policies of BJP government" on Wednesday.

The ten central trade unions including CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will not be taking part in the strike. Earlier on Tuesday, Tapan Sen, general secretary of CITU had said, "All 10 central unions along with all national independent federations of central and state governments, bank, defence production and other service sectors have called for a strike against anti-worker and anti-national policies of BJP government."

"Workers are going on strike with a 12-point charter of demands. We are demanding equal wage for equal work for contract workers who do the same work but receive less than half wage than regular workers," he added.

All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) which comprises about 250 farmers' organisations has also announced to observe 'Grameen Bharat Bandh', on Wednesday.

Moreover, services at various bank branches are likely to be affected as hundreds of employees are likely to go on a bank strike across the country on Wednesday.

The bank strike is part of the Bharat Bandh call given by trade unions to protest against the labour reforms and economic policies of the Central government, according to reports.

The protestors' demand during the Bharat Bandh includes the Centre to drop the proposed labour reforms.

A Bill in this regard was passed and it proposes to merge 44 labour laws into four codes -- wages, industrial relations, social security, and safe working conditions.

Meanwhile, looks like bandh in Bengaluru would turn out to be dull as transport facilities such as Namma Metro, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and autorickshaws are in full swing with normal footfall in the city. Thousands of passengers were also seen at KRS Majestic Railway station.   

With ANI Inputs