Auto-Taxi strike postponed, Govt promises relief

Thiruvananthapuram : The indefinite auto-taxi strike planned for midnight today has been postponed following govt assurance for  relief.

The joint action council of trade unions representing autorickshaw, taxi and light motor vehicle workers had announced strike from Tuesday midnight to press for their demands including fare revision.

The representatives of various unions in their talks with the Chief Minister demanded immediate withdrawal of hike in fuel prices.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan assured that issues will be resolved by 20 Aug.

Other demands included pull-back of decision to impose 15-year advance tax on auto-taxis.

They also sought a reduction in recently hiked fees for various services at Regional Transport Offices(RTO).

The union members complained that legal metrology department imposes a fine of Rs. 2,000 per day for delay in sealing fare meters of autorickshaw, which they said is unfair,

Rs. 1,500 for minor fitness issues too was a similar pain, they said.

Further, they also sought coverage for all motor vehicle workers under Motor Vehicle Workers Welfare fund and improve the benefits.