Thiruvananthapuram, 11 Nov (H.S.): Autorickshaw and taxi workers in Kerala have announced a 24-hour token strike beginning at midnight on Wednesday, demanding a revision of minimum fares to meet rising operating expenses.

The strike, called by the joint trade union committee of auto and taxi workers, is intended to press the government to address what unions describe as a widening gap between earnings and the cost of keeping vehicles on the road.

However, the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and the Swatantra Thozhilali Union (STU) have said they will not participate, indicating a division among unions over the proposed action.

Transport Minister C.P. John has announced talks with representatives of the joint trade union committee. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon in Thiruvananthapuram, ahead of the planned stoppage.

The unions’ principal demand is a revision of minimum fares for both autorickshaws and taxis. They argue that existing charges do not adequately reflect increases in fuel prices, insurance premiums and other expenses associated with operating their vehicles.

According to the unions, fuel prices have risen 16 times over the past four-and-a-half years, while passenger fares have not been adjusted sufficiently to compensate workers.

Higher insurance premiums and mounting expenditure have further reduced drivers’ earnings, the committee said. Workers are increasingly struggling to support their families with the income left after meeting these costs, it added.

The committee also claimed that minimum auto and taxi fares in states including Tamil Nadu were ₹50, and demanded a comparable revision in Kerala.

The proposed stoppage could affect passengers dependent on autorickshaws and taxis for everyday travel, although the decision of some unions to stay away may influence its extent.

Wednesday’s discussions will centre on the workers’ fare demands, with the government and participating unions set to meet before the scheduled start of the statewide token strike.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman