Protesting government’s “inaction” on price rise and alleged violation of labour laws, 11 central trade unions and workers’ federation have called for a two-day nationwide strike starting from February 20.

“For the first time all trade unions have come together for a two-day strike as the government has not taken any action to look into the problems of sky rise inflation, disinvestment in public sector units and non-implementation of labour laws,” AITUC General Secretary, Gurudas Dasgupta said here.

The unions have decided to go for the strike as the government is not interested in listening to their demands and has not responded with anything despite our call for it, he added.

“The last minute meeting called by the Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge on February 13 resulted in further strengthening of resolve for strike as the government could not come forward to resolve any of the issues concerning Labour Ministry,” he said.

Asked what will the course of action after the strike, Dasgupta said, “We shall cross the bridge when we reach there. Till then let us have this two day strike.”

He claimed over 100 million workers will participate in the strike. “The central trade unions regret the inconvenience to be caused to the public and appeal for its support,” he added.

The strike has been called jointly by the Bhartiya Majdoor Sangh (BMS), All India Trade union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) and other such organisations.

The Independent Federation of Workers and Employees too have joined the protests.

The National Secretary of AITUC, Amarjeet Kaur, meanwhile, said if the government does not act to the strike, the Unions will intensify their agitation.

“If the government still does not buzz and does not listen, there will be intensification,” she said.

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