2-day Nationwide Labour Union strike observed in Bhatkal

Bhatkal – Banking and financial sector operations in the state were badly hit on Wednesday, first day of the two-day all India strike by trade unions of organized and unorganized sector to protest against economic policies of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. While banking business worth several thousand crore rupees came to a standstill, working in public sector undertakings like BHEL, BSNL and insurance companies were badly affected. The call for the strike has been given by 11 central trade unions including Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and All India United Trade Union Centre. In Bhatkal, auto rickshaws and buses were off the roads but Schools, Colleges and Shops were open. Protesters under the banner of CITU and auto rickshaw union held protest rally shouting slogans against the Govt and submitted memorandum to Assistant Commissioner demanding 10 key demands. On this occasion Bhatkal Auto Rickshaw Union President Mr Venkatesh Naik, Secretary Mr Nagraj Shetty, Murdeshwar Auto Rickshaw Union President Mr Eshwar Naik, Mr Mohammed Hasan and others were present. Bhatkallys News Service / Rizwan Gangavali