The 24-hour Bharat Bandh called by central trade unions on Friday to press their 12-point charter of demands affected the normal life in Odisha.
Under the banners of 10 major trade unions, both Government and private sector workers joined the strike demanding a minimum monthly wage of Rs 18,000, end to privatisation of public sector undertakings, and immediate action to
control the price rise, among other things.
The public transport system came to a standstill as the protesters resorted to blockade of roads and railway tracks in several areas.
Many passenger and freight trains were stranded at various stations due to the strike.
Shops and other business establishments and some educational institutions also remained closed due to the shutdown, the State police authorities said.
The State administration also was crippled as employees did not turn up at offices lending their support to the strike. The protesters resorted to picketing at Government offices.
In the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, members of the trade unions blocked roads and burnt tyres to prevent traffic.
“We are protesting the Central Government’s indifference towards our demands and effecting anti-worker changes in labour laws,” said Centre of
Indian Trade Unions (CITU) national vice-president Bishnu Mohanty.