The Hindu : Kerala News : Goods carriers to strike work in Kerala

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Friday, Oct 19, 2007
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Kerala

Goods carriers to strike work in Kerala

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Goods carriers in Kerala will go on an indefinite strike from Friday in protest against the State government’s decision to levy workers’ welfare fund.

Jayaprakash, secretary of the Kerala State Lorry Owners’ Federation, said all goods carriers would participate in the strike, including tanker lorries.

To hit fuel availability

The strike is likely to affect the availability of essential commodities and fuel.

Talks held between the lorry operators and Transport Minister Mathew T. Thomas failed on Wednesday, following which they decided to go ahead with the strike.

The operators said they wanted a reduction in monthly contribution towards the workers’ welfare fund — Rs.400 for lorries and Rs.200 for mini-lorries and tempos. With the increase in operational costs, vehicle owners would find it difficult to spare money for the fund, they said.

Bring down amount

General secretary of the Kerala State Tempo and Mini-Lorry Operators’ Association K.K. Ibrahim Kutty said the association was not entirely opposed to paying welfare fund.

“Firstly, the amount has to be brought down.

“Inadequate facilities and staff at the welfare-fund office is another reason for the strike, as we have to wait for a long duration to pay the money,” Mr. Ibrahim Kutty said.

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