Thiruvananthapuram: Government employees and teachers backed by Opposition parties observed a day-long token strike in Kerala on Tuesday.
The strike was a prelude to the indefinite stir that the unions are threatening to go on if their demands are not met.
The demands are standard -- a hike in pay and daily allowances which has been due from 2002.
General Secretary, State Secretariat Employees Association Rajeev said, "The government tried to crush the strike using the police force. We have decided that we will go on an indefinate strike from February 25, 2006."
Employees picketed government offices and non-striking employees were stopped from joining offices. There were some instances of scuffles with policemen. Protestors marched to the Secretariat asking government to fulfil their demands.
This could just be pre-poll fever catching up in Kerala, as Opposition parties sponsored strikes usually take place in the state before polls.
The state Chief Minister Oommen Chandy refused to comment. With just two months left for the state polls, it's going to be tough times ahead for the Chandy government.
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