Thiruvananthapuram: The nationwide strike called by the joint trade union against the Central Government’s labour policies is continuing across Kerala, significantly affecting public transport services. Despite the state government issuing a circular warning of salary cuts for employees participating in the strike, protests and disruptions continue in full swing.

In a rare sight, a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) driver, Shibu Thomas, was seen wearing a helmet while driving a bus from Pathanamthitta to Kollam, symbolising the ground-level tension.

KSRTC services across Kerala have largely been suspended in solidarity with the strike. In several locations, buses ready to operate were blocked by protesters, leaving many passengers stranded.

At Manjeri Central Junction, police were called in to intervene after strike supporters reportedly stopped private vehicles from operating, leading to a heated exchange. In Perinthalmanna, the SKS private bus arriving from Bangalore was halted by protestors.

In a disturbing incident at Neyyattinkara depot, Shibu, a KSRTC conductor, was allegedly assaulted by strike supporters. Passengers on the bus were forced to disembark.

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KSRTC driver wearing helmet

Meanwhile, Kerala Education and Labour Minister V Sivankutty expressed his support for the strike by walking from his residence, Rose House, to the DC office at Mettukada.

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Minister V Sivankutty walks from his residence to the DC office in Mettukada, expressing solidarity with the national strike

The strike, called by 10 major trade unions, is in protest against the Centre’s labour reforms and alleged pro-corporate policies. With transport services paralysed and tensions reported, normal life has been severely impacted in various parts of the state.

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Kannur Market on the national strike day