Lukewarm response to countrywide strike in Tamil Nadu

The day-long strike called by various trade unions against price rise, violation of labour laws and disinvestment of PSUs evoked lukewarm response in Tamil Nadu as normal life remained unaffected.

However, flight services on the Chennai-Kolkata route were affected as six flights were cancelled due to the strike in the Left-ruled state, airport sources said.

Buses and autorickshaws plied on the roads while shops and other commercial establishments remained open.

No untoward incident has been reported from Chennai and elsewhere in the state so far, police said.

Train services operated as per schedule, Railway sources said.

All India Bank Employees Association president CH Venkatachalam said that apart from banks, postal employees, a section of state government employees and other PSUs were participating in today’s strike.

State government had warned of strict action against persons disturbing law and order and preventing others from going to work.

For the first time all trade unions including Indian  National Trade Union Congress were participating in the strike, he added.

Meanwhile, Chennai Port Trust officials said that a section of employees owing allegiance to some unions were participating in the strike.

"But there may not be much impact on operations," they said.