General strike disrupts normal life in Ernakulam

The Hindu

10-07-2025

Normal life was hit in Ernakulam of Kerala on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) following the nationwide general strike by the combine of trade unions.
Shops and commercial establishments remained closed in the district. Public transport was also affected as private buses stayed off the road. The supporters of the strike blocked a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus at Velloorkunnam, Muvattupuzha. The windshield of the bus was damaged in alleged stone-throwing by them. Two persons were arrested by the Muvattupuzha police in connection with the incident.
Efforts by KSRTC employees affiliated to the Bharat Mazdoor Sangh, who stayed away from the strike, to operate a low-floor bus service from the Ernakulam depot to Kozhikode failed following opposition from employees affiliated to the Left-trade unions.
The driver and conductor of the bus said that they were ready to operate the service, if the authorities ensured adequate police protection. There were six reservations from Nedumbassery, and the passengers were informed about the protest, they said. Police personnel, who were posted at the site, said they had not received instructions from the authorities of the bus depot to provide protection.
A few autorickshaws were seen plying within the Kochi city limits. However, drivers pointed out that there were only a few commuters. People were seen mostly moving in two-wheelers in the morning as public transport was hit as private buses stayed off the road.
The Kochi metro operated services as usual, though the number of passengers was low compared to normal days, according to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). Attendance was very poor at the civil station at Kakkanad as a majority of employees stayed away from work. The functioning of the Cochin Special Economic Zone at Kakkanad was also hit following the strike. The combine of trade unions staged a rally as part of the protest.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, who inaugurated a rally and protest by trade unions affiliated to the United Democratic Front here, blamed the Central and State governments for ignoring the rights and interests of workers. There is no labour protection in the country. The Left Front government, which came to power in the name of a party of workers, has now turned into a govenment of capitalists, he alleged.