Bharat Bandh strike while hit the normal life in the industrial district of Angul, all essential services such as road transport and banking were seriously affected due to the strike of trade unions here.
Thousands of workers of Nalco, MCl, NTPC, JSPl and Bhushan Steel and Strips limited (BSSl) joined in the 24-hour strike to protest against proposed changes in labour laws and privatisation of State-run companies.
More than 10 Central trade unions, including those in the banking, manufacturing, construction and coal mining sectors, took part in the strike. BJP-backed BMS was not part of the agitation.
CISF personnel used force against the striking workers at the main gate of Nalco Smelter Plant, alleged Nalco Employees Sangha general secretary Nirmal Samal.
The trade unions in their 12-point charter of demands demanded urgent measures to contain price rise, unemployment, strict enforcement of basic labour laws, universal social security cover for all workers and minimum wage of Rs 15,000 per month.
They also demanded enhanced pension for workers, stoppage of disinvestment in PSUs, stoppage of contract system and removal of ceiling on bonus and provident fund. The list also includes compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days, no amendment in labour laws unilaterally and stopping of FDI in railways and defence.