The nationwide 24-hour strike called by 10 Central trade unions, 56 mass organisations and all federations hit normal life in Sundargarh district as both Government and private sector workers joined the strike. The agitators pressed for a 12-point charter of demands.
But the Rourkela Steel Plant authority claimed that the strike had no impact on the production of the plant. While 94 per cent attendance was recorded in whole SAIl managed units, it was 99.3 per cent in RSP, claimed its authority. It is to be mentioned here that the RSP management has asked its workers and officers to enter into the plant from September 1 night with a preparation to stay inside till September 3 morning.
Accordingly, many had already entered on Thursday night and a few entered well ahead of 6.00 am (the beginning of strike time). Besides, there was a fear of wage cut by Rs 5,000 if any one remained absent on the strike day. Consequently, the plant workers were virtually forced to avoid strike. However, despite this, some tussles were noticed at Visra Chowk, Bonia gate and plant site gate while some workers were trying to enter into the plant at 6.00am.
The strike had direct impact on schools, colleges, other educational institutions, petrol pumps, banks, other offices, markets and other industries. Even the autos, taxis, town buses and long route buses stayed off the road. Even the long route night coaches had terminated service. The trains were halted for an hour due to railroko. Even the news paper hawkers were seen participating in strike.