The Hindu Business Line : Chambers voice concern over lorry strike

Various chambers of commerce and industry have expressed concern over the proposed indefinite strike by Kerala State Lorry Owners Federation from Sunday midnight, saying that it would adversely affect the State's economy and lead to price increases of essential commodities.

The Federation has sent a strike notice in protest against the order of the Labour Department directing that taxes would be collected from vehicle owners from April 1 this year only if they paid double the amount towards employee's welfare fund.

While the proposed lorry strike will seriously affect the entire State, this will be too much for the exporters in the State, Mr N. Sreekumar, President of the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a statement. He recalled that a lightening strike called by a section of workers in the Cochin Port Trust recently had brought the port to a standstill. This was almost immediately followed by a strike called by the trailer crew, which was called off just three days back, he added.

The losses suffered by the port, the exporters and the business community in general are incalculable especially when one considers the loss of reputation that the business community here has suffered. It will take a long time for the exporters to regain the confidence of their suppliers and customers abroad, he said.

The Cochin Chamber has expressed grave concern over these strikes in quick succession, which will retard the economic progress of the State. The State as a whole, and Kochi in particular, is poised for great developmental activities with so many upcoming projects and these actions would send wrong signals to the investors, which could be detrimental to the overall growth of the State, Mr Sreekumar added.

Mr Balagaopala B. Pai, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the entire business community would be put to untold difficulties because of the strike, the impact of which would be felt on the agriculture sector as well. The Chamber, he said, had sent a fax message to the Chief Minister seeking immediate steps to avert the strike.

More Stories on : Trade & Labour Unions | Roadways | Industry Associations | Kerala

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