THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 48 hour, two-day long national strike called by various trade unions in protest against the labour policies of the Union government began at midnight (Tuesday 12 am).

The strike called under the aegis of organisations including CITU and INTUC will turn out to be a virtual hartal in Kerala. The strike will end only on Wednesday midnight.

As KSRTC and private bus employees will strike, the public transport will be paralysed. Autos and Taxis will keep off the roads.

Train and private vehicles will not be blocked but as there will be picketing on railway stations, trains may get delayed.

The strike is likely to hit normal life as government teachers, bank employees, petrol pump employees and small-scale merchants will take part in the strike.

Hospitals, airports, marriage vehicles and tourism industry have been exempted from the strike. Supply of newspaper and milk and Sabarimala pilgrimage will not be disrupted.

The stikers’ demands include driver welfare measures such as minimum wages (Rs 18,000) and social security for unorganised road transport workers and lower fuel prices.