Odisha Drivers call indefinite "steering down" strike from today, demand action over six demands

Public transport braced for a major disruption with the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha announcing an indefinite "steering down" strike starting today. The State-wide protest was called over a six-point charter callling for action over their longstanding demands. Over five lakh drivers took to the streets urging for job security, dignity and basic rights. 

The union strike involves drivers of buses, trucks and other commercial vehicles, exempting ambulances and school buses. 

Their list of six demands includes pension for drivers above 60 years of age, inclusion of auto drivers in Drivers' Welfare Board, parking slots every 100 km, laws to ensure driver security from public threat, restrooms and toilet facilities at regular intervals and secure atleat 70 per cent jobs for Odisha drivers in mining and industrial areas across the State. The protesters also demanded that September 1 be declared National Drivers' Day by the government, to acknowlege their contribution to the transport sector. 

Meanwhile, halting of public transport left passengers in lurch. "I had come from Balangir to Pallishree Mela in Puri. When we got to know about the strike late yesterday night, we rented a private vehicle and somehow reached Bhubaneswar. We even loaded our baggage but now clueless. Extending our stay would not just mean extra expenditure but also inconvenience. The government must respond to the drivers' demands as they too have basic rights," said a stranded passenger. 

However, the strike faced opposition from the drivers' fraternity with the Transport Workers’ Union calling out the Odisha Drivers Mahasangha for vested interest-driven agitations. 
source:sambadenglish.com