The hardening of stance from both sides - over joining of the February 28 general strike by the Government employees and workers of the Government-run transport companies - seemed to be leading towards a serious showdown between the trade unions and the Bengal Government.

This after a directive issued by the Government asking the employees to report for work on the given date or face punitive measures that could even go up to termination of service.

State Transport Minister Madan Mitra on Friday said that the Government would run 1,000 buses on road and the transport workers had been asked to join duty on that day “or else they could even face breakage in service and loss of seniority” leading the trade union leaders from INTUC to the Citu to revolt in unison.

“Let the Government take action but the workers will not join work on that day,” said Shyamal Chakrabarty, adding the trade unions would opt for legal actions if the Government took “any undemocratic steps. They are trying to gag the voice of democracy.”

Thousands of Government workers from 11 trade unions including INTUC and Citu had jointly took put a procession on Thursday supporting the strike.

Even as the Government and the Opposition went full throttle to press for their cause INTUC leader and State Minister Subroto Mukherjee quoted Calcutta High Court’s order calling strikes unconstitutional saying “the strike is illegal and those who do not call would face discontinuation in the service.”

State Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh had earlier issued a directive asking all concerned to remain present in office on the said date leading the Government employees to join cause irrespective of their colours.