Auto rickshaws to go on bandh in Visakhapatnam

Expressing resentment against the measures being taken by the state and central governments, the auto rickshaw union in Visakhapatnam announced that they would be going on a strike on 8 and 9 January.

Speaking at a wall-poster release event in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, leader of the union, SK Rehman, argued that the governments must revoke the changes to the 1988 Motor Vehicle Act, which adversely affected the auto rickshaw owners and drivers. Stating the reasons behind the bandh, he further demanded reduction in the charges of the RTO Challan and formation of welfare board for auto rickshaw workers. Apart from mentioning the need for allocating parking spaces for auto rickshaws in Visakhapatnam, the union leader also said that RTC and police officials should refrain from charging against the city’s auto rickshaw drivers.

Satyanarayana, Subbarao, Sudhakar, Appala Raju, and auto workers were among those who participated at the poster-release event that was held at the CITU office near Jagadamba in the city.

The strike by the auto rickshaw union in Visakhapatnam is in support to the pan-India strike by trade unions including All India Trade Union Congress, CITU, Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), SEWA and LPF. The strike comes as a protest against the “anti-worker” policies of the centre.

Reportedly, major sectors such banks, railways, electricity, cab-drivers and other unorganised sectors will also be taking part in the bank.

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