Trade Union Strike affects Rail, Transport, Banking Services in Odisha

The 12-hour ‘Bharat Bandh’ call given by 10 Trade Unions across India, has affected the rail, transport and banking services in Odisha. Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur and Baleswar areas have been largely affected.

While many private schools, colleges, shops and business establishments have remained closed in many parts of Odisha, attendance is reportedly thin in many government, private offices and schools.

The AITUC and CITU workers have blocked the railway services for a few hours. Many trains in Odisha are running late because of the strike. Rail blockade was reported from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Baleswar and other parts of the state.

Buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws remain off the road. Banking and ATM services have been completed affected. National Highways near Nayagarh, Sakhigopal and many other areas have been blocked by the agitators. As the employees of Oil companies have joined the strike, people are facing trouble to get petrol and diesel.

The Trade Unions have been demanding withdrawal of the proposed changes in the labour laws, fixing the minimum wages of workers at Rs 15,000 and stopping the disinvestment and privatization of PSUs among the 12-point charter of demands.