Strike affects govt functioning in state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The functioning of government offices in the state was affected due to poor attendance as service organisations supported by the Left and the BJP Tuesday observed a token-strike in protest against the Congress-led UDF decision to introduce contributory pension scheme. Bus services by KSRTC were also badly affected due to the strike by its employees.
Meanwhile, the government announced that the 'dies non' would be applicable to the striking employees. However, pro-Congress unions withdrew from the strike following a discussion with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

Government employees and various teachers organisations have jointly called for the strike alleging that the decision to introduce the participatory pension scheme was a policy shift under the influence of globalisation. The government did not consult with all stake-holders before taking the decision, they alleged.