Nationwide Strike Ignites Widespread Protests and Detentions in Trichy
The nationwide strike called by central trade unions against the Union government led to significant and large-scale protests in Trichy on Wednesday. Demonstrations were organized by a broad coalition of labor groups, including members of AITUC, CITU, INTUC, AIBEA, AIBOA, BEFI, Tamil Nadu government employees' associations, railway unions, postal employees, and transport workers. These groups staged protests at various strategic locations across the city, amplifying their demands through coordinated actions.
Railway Tracks Blocked as Protests Escalate
In a dramatic escalation, more than a thousand protesters were detained by authorities for attempting to block railway tracks at Trichy Junction. The protesters had marched from the Periyar statue near the Central bus stand towards the railway station, vociferously raising slogans against government policies. Police and Railway Protection Force personnel had preemptively erected barricades to prevent the demonstrators from entering the station premises. However, in a show of defiance, the protesters pushed past these barricades, entered the junction, and squatted directly on the tracks. This bold move led to a tense scuffle with security personnel, resulting in the mass detentions.
Additional Disruptions and Detentions at Srirangam
Simultaneously, at Srirangam, members of CITU and AITUC intensified the strike's impact by blocking the Cuddalore passenger train. This action followed a procession taken out from Rajagopuram, highlighting the widespread participation. More than a hundred individuals, including key union functionaries, were detained in connection with this blockade, underscoring the determined and organized nature of the protests.
Core Demands of the Striking Unions
The unions articulated a clear set of demands during the protests, focusing on several contentious government policies. Their primary calls included:
- Withdrawal of Labour Codes: Advocating for the repeal of recent labor legislation that they argue undermines workers' rights.
- Formation of a National Finance Commission for Unorganised Workers: Pushing for financial support and structured benefits for workers in the informal sector.
- Rollback of the Seed Act 2025: Opposing this act due to concerns over its impact on farmers and agricultural practices.
- Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act: Seeking changes to provisions they believe are detrimental to transport workers.
- Opposition to Privatization in Public Sector Undertakings: Firmly resisting the government's moves towards privatizing state-owned enterprises, which they fear will lead to job losses and reduced public control.
Public Transport Largely Unaffected Despite Strike
Despite the intensity of the protests and the significant detentions, public transport services in Trichy largely operated without major disruption. This indicates that while the strike mobilized substantial numbers and caused localized incidents, it did not paralyze the city's daily commute, suggesting a mixed impact on overall urban functionality.
The events in Trichy reflect a broader national discontent among trade unions, with this strike serving as a potent symbol of resistance against perceived anti-worker policies. The detentions and confrontations highlight the escalating tensions between labor groups and authorities, setting a precedent for future industrial actions across the country.
