Strike hits banking, transport services in Hyderabad

The nationwide strike call given by trade unions crippled normal life in Telangana. Employees of major sectors like Transport, Banking, Postal and Telecom participated in the strike.

Banking operations came to a standstill in Telangana State on Friday as over 15,000 employees of various banks participated in the general strike called by trade unions to protest government's "anti-labour policies."

All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEAP) Joint Secretary B S Rambabu said demonstrations were held in all the district headquarters along with other trade unions. "Though branches were open, there was no business taking place in PSU banks. However, there was no problem with regard to ATMs' functioning," Rambabu said.

10pt;">Most of the buses run by Telangana State Road Transport Organisation were kept off the roads. As many as two lakh State government employees (gazetted, non-gazetted and class 4 employees) supported the strike, Telangana Gazetted officers Association General Secretary A Satyanarayana said. "We did not directly participate in the strike, but wore black badges and attend duties," Satyanarayana said.

Ten central trade unions called for a one-day nationwide strike, protesting against the "anti-worker" changes in labour laws and the Centre's "indifference" to their demands for better wages. MMTS trains saw huge rush.

Some schools and colleges declared holiday and the attendance was less in the schools which functioned. The TGOA employees held demonstrations at the district Collectorates and other government offices wearing black badges and holding black flags.