Employees of the Joint Trade Union Samithi march at Chinnakada in Kollam on Thursday after a nationwide general strike called by the union. | Photo credit: C. Sureshkumar
Daily life in Kollam came to a virtual standstill on Thursday as the 24-hour statewide general strike called by a joint front of trade unions saw almost complete response across the district.
The strike, organized to protest the union government’s labor policies and privatization initiatives, effectively silenced the pulse of the district since the wee hours of the morning. The impact was most visible on the street, where private vehicles were rarely seen and public transport remained largely off the road. Major commercial hubs, including the usually bustling Chinnakada, remained deserted as shops, markets and business establishments downed their shutters in solidarity with the protesters.
Despite the widespread shutdown, organizers provided the necessary breathing space for personal and spiritual events as vehicles used for religious ceremonies, festivals and weddings were strictly exempted from the strike. Health services, including hospitals, clinics and pharmacies, also continued to operate without interruption to ensure that urgent needs were met.
The day was marked by numerous protest marches and public meetings held in various parts of the district. Addressing large rallies, union leaders reiterated their basic demands for the repeal of what they called an anti-employee labor code and called for stronger social security measures for all industries. However, there was a slight shift in the situation at 5 p.m., when several shops and small businesses began to reopen their doors, signaling a gradual return to normality.
Published – 12 Feb 2026 20:59 IST