Kerala sees widespread disruption as trade unions launch nationwide strike

A 24-hour nationwide strike against Central government policies began on Thursday, causing widespread disruption across Kerala from the early hours. Transport services were affected, government declared dies-non for employees, and several exams were postponed as trade unions pressed a range of demands. The strike, called by joint trade unions, started at midnight Wednesday and will continue until midnight Thursday.

Workers affiliated with around ten trade unions are participating in the protest.

Transport hit in Kerala; essential services exempt

Private buses, KSRTC services, taxis and auto-rickshaws have largely stayed off the roads, affecting public transport across the state. Banking services, commercial establishments and sections of industry and trade are also expected to face disruption. However, organisations stated that private vehicles will not be stopped.

Hospitals, medical shops, milk supply, newspapers, fire and rescue, and ambulance services have been exempted from the strike. Sabarimala pilgrims, Maramon convention attendees, and conventions in Pathanamthitta district have also been excluded.

The state government has declared dies-non, meaning employees who join the strike will not receive wages for the day. PSC online examinations scheduled for Thursday have been postponed, with the junior instructor exam shifted to the February 21. Exams of Kerala, MG and Calicut universities have also been deferred.

Kochi Metro confirmed services will operate as usual from 6.30am to 10pm, along with the Water Metro. Metro feeder buses, however, will run only on two routes — Aluva to the airport and Kalamassery Medical College — with other feeder services suspended.

National strike and key demands

The strike has been called by central trade unions opposing various Central and policies. Demands include withdrawal of labour codes, restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi rural employment guarantee scheme, reversal of 100% foreign investment in insurance, restoration of additional bonus for paddy farmers, job security assurances, withdrawal of the Shram Shakti policy bill, and rollback of farmer-related laws.

Workers from sectors including transport, ports, electricity, telecom, IT, banking, insurance, online trade and employment guarantee schemes are participating. Railway and airport workers have also joined.

Organisations divided over participation

CITU and INTUC are striking separately in Kerala, with INTUC acting independently following KPCC guidance linked to the Assembly election context. The Secretariat Action Council and KPSTA said they will not participate, although the NGO Association has joined the protest.

The Secretariat Action Council convenor stated that while labour codes were a Central government initiative, related rules had been framed by Kerala’s Left government.