The indefinite strike by government employees and teachers in Kerala entered 22nd day on Wednesday and was all set to intensify further with major trade unions, barring INTUC, deciding a state-wide general strike on March 5 to express solidarity with the striking staff. The general strike decision was taken at a joint meeting of left trade unions and BMS here on Tuesday. However, INTUC leaders who also attended the meeting, did not agree with the idea of strike and resolved to disassociate with it.

The INTUC leaders said they would continue the path of negotiations with the government to redress the grievances of the employees. Being a local holiday for governent offices and educational institutions in the district due to famous "pongala" festival at Attukal Bhagavathi Temple here, there was no protest march and Dharna before the secretariat.

Striking staff continued their protest march and demonstrations in other part of the state in support of the demand for restoration of benefits curtailed as part of government's austerity measures. Reports from across the state said functioning of the offices and educational institutions continued to be paralysed as there was no significant improvement in staff attendance.
There was no indication of any talks between the government and striking unions to end the stalemate.

Bureau Report