The chakka bandh agitation by the private transport workers of Assam went of successfully yesterday, with most of the private transport coming to a halt for 24 hours, starting January 27.
The call for the strike was given by prominent trade unions in Assam, in support of various demands, the primary demand being the implementation of welfare scheme for private transport workers. The scheme has been proposed by the Assam Government, but has remained on paper.
The participating unions in the chakka bandh are All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation, Sadou Asom Motor Shramik Jutiya Parishad, Co-ordination Committee of Cab Operators, Assam Petroleum Masdoor Union and North East Heavy Goods Driver and Owners Welfare Association. The other unions which have called for the chakka bandh include Indian National Road Transport Workers Federation, All Assam Joint Motor Shramik Union, All Assam Drivers’ Union, All Assam Cab Operators Union and Travellers’ Association.
The transport workers have decided to intensify their agitation by going on strike for 48 hours on February 12 and 13, when the Assam State Legislature would be in session.
The unions have decided to go on a 72-hour strike in the last week of February from 25 to 27.
While fighting for their demands, the workers have thought of the protesting farmers in the country. They have demanded the withdrawal of the three farmers bills, which have been termed black bills by protesting farmers.
The unions have flayed the government for its failure to introduce welfare schemes, when the transport workers suffered during the seven months lock down. In a joint statement, the unions stated that the government neither provided aid to the motor transport drivers and conductors, nor did it waive the tax on vehicles for the period of the lockdown.