Bus, auto, taxi unions will not participate in bandh

Shashank Rao, union leader, said buses, taxis and autorickshaws will not participate in the strike

The Bharat bandh — called for by Opposition parties protesting against demonetisation — will not affect essential services. BEST, taxi and autorickshaw unions have decided not to participate in the bandh. Hence, commuters can expect a hassle-free journey on Monday.

Commuters can expect a hassle-free journey on Monday. (HT File Photo)

Shashank Rao, union leader, said buses, taxis and autorickshaws will not participate in the strike.

AL Quadros, leader of the taxi union, said they will also keep away from the bandh, though the taxi business has been badly affected owing to a shortage of low-denomination currencies. Civic services will also remain unaffected.

“Our class III and IV employees were gravely affected by demonetisation as they had to adjust their work hours to make trips to the bank. However, as essential services such as water, fire brigade and solid waste management cannot be disturbed, we have decided to morally support the move and will not physically participate in bandh,” said Govind Kamtekar, secretary of the Municipal Mazdoor union.

Of 1.07 lakh class III and IV employees, 80,000 belong to this union. School buses are likely to function. Anil Garg, president, School Bus Owners Association, said its members will not participate in the bandh and will provide bus services to all its schools.