Kerala Auto-Taxi Workers to Go on 24-Hour Strike on November 12 Demanding Fare Revision

Thiruvananthapuram: Auto-rickshaw and taxi services across Keralam will be affected by a 24-hour strike on November 12, demanding a revision of fares. The strike is being organised under the leadership of joint trade unions and will begin at midnight on November 12 and continue until midnight on November 13.

The strike has been called to demand a revision of auto-taxi fares amid a sharp rise in the cost of living, including increased fuel prices and hefty insurance premiums. Trade union leaders said successive fuel price hikes, rising insurance premiums and the increasing cost of spare parts have made it difficult for workers to continue in the sector. They alleged that fuel tax exploitation and higher insurance charges have pushed motor workers into severe financial hardship.

The workers decided to launch the agitation after the government and the Transport Commissioner failed to take favourable action despite receiving prior written representations highlighting their grievances.

Protest marches by workers will be held at district headquarters on the day of the strike. Leaders of the joint strike committee warned that they would launch stronger agitations, including an indefinite strike, if the issues were not resolved immediately.