Kochi: Autorickshaw drivers resorted to a one-day strike from 6 am to 6 pm on Thursday protesting against the ongoing police drive to enforce the meter on autos.
The strike was called by the CITU-controlled auto drivers union. Leaders of the union claimed that drivers belonging to other unions also joined the strike making it total in the city and suburbs.
Women and families had a tough time finding their way to destinations, especially to far flung places, due to the strike. Those who came by trains and had luggage had to depend on taxis.
Most of the bus services, especially during peak hours, were packed and the city witnessed heavy traffic snarls, with a lot more private vehicles descending on the roads to fill the gap. The ongoing Kochi Metro work worsened the situation.
The striking drivers held a march to the office of the City Police Commissioner in the morning demanding that the drive be stopped and placed a charter of demands if they were forced to adhere to the meter. They claimed that nearly 1000 auto drivers participated in the march.
Speaking to DC, Sojan Antony, district vice-president of Ernakulam District Auto Drivers Association (CITU), wanted the authorities to limit the enforcing of the meter to city limits. “We are not against the meter. But the meter rates should be revised whenever the petrol prices are revised.” he said.
