Minister says motor strike politically motivated

Thiruvananthapuram, May 20 : Shibu Baby John, who was sworn-in as Minister in the Oommen Chandy cabinet today alleged that the dawn to dusk strike called by various trade unions of motor workers was politically motivated.

Addressing a press conference here , he said ''though the State government had reduced the tax on petrol price in its first cabinet meeting, the decision by trade unions to go ahead with the strike was unfortunate.'' ''Trade unions supported by Left parties have ignored the request by the new state government to call off the strike as it has completed only 48 hours, leaving no time for the government to take a decision on the issue which requires more consultations with the Centre,'' he said.

''It is very unfortunate and this kind of approach by trade unions will destroy investment opportunities in the state,'' he added.

''The Left parties are misusing trade unions for their political agenda. A majority of vehicles only use diesel, not petrol. This motor strike is one of that kind of misuse as there is no strike by the left parties in Tripura and Tamil Nadu on the issue,'' he pointed out.

''The Government would also look into ''Nooku Kuli'' (wages without work) by Left unions in the state. A decision on the issue would be announced after a detailed study and consultations with various trade unions,'' he said.

--UNI

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