Economy hurt by nationwide strike

Normal life is being affected in many parts of the country today as nine major trade unions have called for a 24-hour nationwide strike against the price rise and other issues like disinvestment in the public sector, retrenchment and entry of foreign capital in retail market, etc.

The unions taking part primarily belong to the transport, banking and the industrial sectors. They are also demanding streamlining of the rationing system and proper implementation of labour laws.

Nearly six crore workers under the banner of the trade unions are participating in the strike, which is likely to have the maximum impact in Leftist-dominated states like West Bengal, Kerala and Manipur.

In fact, almost all flights to and from Kolkata have already been cancelled. Jet Airways and low-cost carrier Jetlite have cancelled 70 flights in all, Kingfisher has cancelled 29 and Spicejet and Indigo have canceled 20 flights each. Air India has rescheduled several flights and there may be cancelations, depending on the situation on the ground today.

The city bore a deserted look this morning, with very few taxis and cars on the roads. Most school and colleges are closed; offices likely to see thin attendance. The bandh is reported to be effective across the state.

Normal life in Delhi and Mumbai too is likely to be badly hit, mainly because autorickshaws, a critical mode of transportation in both metros, are off the road. However, the taxi unions have reportedly not joined in the strike.