Central
Trade Unions call strike on 20th, 21st February 2013 against price
hike, and for violation of labour laws. The strike has been called
jointly by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade
Union Congress (AITUC), Bhartiya Majdoor Sangh (BMS), Indian National
Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), All India United
Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) and other trade unions. The independent
federations of workers and employees too have joined the protest. More
than 10 crores of workers are expected to participate in the General
Strike.
The main demands by the trade unions in this strike are:
fuel price hike, and for violation of labour laws, Minumum wages hike,
Universal social security for the unorganized sector workers, No more
disinvestment by selling PSUs and Employment are some of main issues
raised by trade unions. Trade unions across the country said that the
two-day national strike beginning this Wednesday will be the biggest
event involving the labour force in the last many years. Most bank
unions are supporting the strike called by United Forum of Bank Unions
consisting of nine national unions, including AIBEA, NCBE, BEFI, INBEF,
NOBW and AIBOC in support of their demand. Branches of public sector
banks are expected to be non-functional and cheque clearing activity
will be hit.