More than 1500 members of various trade unions were arrested here today for staging road rokos and rail rokos in protest against the Centre’s policies.

The all India strike called by the trade unions received a mixed response. While it was total in Kerala, the Governments of other States did not give easy passage to the trade union members. However, normal life was not affected in Coimbatore.

The Centre had earlier issued advisory to all the States to deal with the strike strongly and ensure that all essential and public services including transport were not affected.

In Tamil Nadu, all District Collectors checked transport services at bus depots to ensure smooth operation of bus services without interruption.

In Coimbatore, members of the trade unions blocked the State Bank Road and attempted to besiege BSNL office and also attempted to stage a road roko. They staged a road roko was near Gandhipuram and later attempted to stage a rail roko.

The members claimed that the Centre has been making changes in labour and transport for the benefit of the private sector. They also raised slogans against the Central Government. They demanded higher minimum wages and provision of social security to workers in the organised sector.