Left parties support all-India strike, call for 'chakka jam' on May 20

Ranchi: Left parties on Friday extended support to the all-India strike called by central trade unions on May 20 and decided to block the movement of vehicles and trains for two hours on the day to press the 17-point demands of workers.

Notably, the unions have called the strike over their several demands, including annulment of the four labour codes on wages, code on social security, industrial relation code and working condition code — minimum wage of Rs 26,000 per month for the unorganised sector workers — stopping outsourcing of jobs of permanent nature, minimum pension of Rs 9000 per month for all sections of workers, restoration of the old pension scheme, registration of trade unions with 45 days of application and end to privatisation of public sector undertakings.

In a meeting held at the CPI state office there, the left parties decided to conduct joint campaigns in support of the strike. Their campaigns would include media briefings at all district headquarters on May 10, street meetings and pamphlet distribution from May 15 to 19 and a torchlight procession across the state on May 19. The protesters would also stop the movement of vehicles and trains from 10 am to 12 noon on May 20 and court arrest before the district administration. CPI-M state secretary Prakash Viplav, who chaired the meeting, said, "We will take out a procession during the strike and sit at the Albert Ekka Chowk for two hours and prevent traffic movement. The trains would also be stopped in areas where we have a strong presence."

He further said the central govt codes would lead to increase in unemployment and curb worker's rights to protest. CPI state secretary Mahendra Pathak also said, "The state govt is making decisions against the workers, farmers and students, leading to resentment among the people. During the protest, production and dispatches from mines would stop while factories would be closed. I appeal to the people to take to the streets to make the strike successful."