The Hindu : Motor workers drop stir plan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 21, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

Motor workers drop stir plan

By Our Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE DEC. 20. The Motor Workers Joint Action Committee today decided to drop its move to go on strike from December 22 in protest against the decision to impose a cess on vehicles under the Road Safety Authority and the periodic hike in petroleum and diesel prices following an assurance by the Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, that the proposed Ordinance will be re-examined.

Addressing a press conference here, the convener of the committee, Elamaram Kareem, said the workers would go on an indefinite strike from February 23. Mr. Kareem said that the extreme step had been prompted by the committee in view of the total indifference of the State Government to the manifold problems faced by the workers. Even after repeated protests and representations, the Government had done nothing worthwhile to the problems being faced by the workers, he said.

The demands of the committee included the declaration of a transport policy, an embargo on hike in petroleum prices, withdrawal of the hike in insurance premium, and curbs on issuing licences to new vehicles.

The committee also demanded revamp of the wage structure of bus workers, inclusion of all motor workers in the welfare fund, parking spaces for autorickshaws and taxis, and facility for motor workers to get registered at local self-government institutions and providing them with identity cards.

Mr. Kareem demanded said that the police and Motor Vehicles Department officials end their `harassment' of motor workers.

There was also a need to restructure the taxi and auto fare on a scientific basis and end the policy of imposing more burden on motor workers.

A memorandum with these demands had been submitted to the Government in July. On August 30, the committee had organised Collectorate marches, and on September 30 had observed a State-wide protest. He flayed the attitude of the Government in not calling a meeting to discuss these demands.

The union leaders, K. Sadiri Koya, K.M. Krishnankutty, U. Pokker, K. Balan among others were present.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

News Update

Stories in this Section

Mani, Kunhalikutty discuss crisis with Sonia

Strike move dropped

Collector told to oversee MP fund schemes

`Debates alone cannot counter imperialism'

Motor workers drop stir plan

Malaysian team lauds Akshaya project

`Diversification must in rubber sector'

State's qualitative aspects ignored: study

Poor security leads to plunder of Alappuzha port

Keralotsavam begins today