Odisha Transport Workers Federation calls off strike; oil supply to normalise soon

In a major relief for the people of Odisha and the state government, the Odisha Transport Workers' Federation called off their indefinite strike on Monday. The development came after a high-level meeting and discussion with the Odisha Chief Secretary.

Speaking about the decision, All Odisha Transport Workers' Federation president, Janardan Pati said, “Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena had called us. He discussed our demands with five representatives of Odisha Transport Workers Federation. Jena had spoken with the Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla about the new Law. Bhalla has assured Jena that the new Law pertaining to the drivers will not be implemented now. The Centre will take further decisions regarding this after discussing with the State governments and different trade unions.”

“The Centre has backtracked on the new Law after immense pressure from us and several other trade unions. So we have decided to call off the strike too,” Pati said.

Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena said, “Along with senior colleagues, we discussed the strike with the president, general secretary, and other office bearers of All Odisha Transport Workers Federation and urged them to call off the strike. We informed them that the Union Home Secretary will seek opinions and consult with every stakeholder before notifying the new Law.”