Thiruvananthapuram: In a united show of resistance against the privatisation of the electricity sector, electricity workers nationwide, under the leadership of Left-wing organisations, will stage a one-hour strike from 12 noon to 1 pm today. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) employees and officers are set to join this nationwide protest, coordinated by the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers.
The strike in Kerala is a gesture of solidarity with workers in Chandigarh, where ongoing protests have highlighted strong opposition to privatisation efforts. Protests against similar policies are also being reported in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Telangana.
This collective action underscores growing concerns among electricity sector employees about the potential implications of privatisation, including job insecurity, rising electricity costs, and diminished public oversight. The one-hour work stoppage is intended to send a strong message to policymakers, urging them to reconsider privatisation plans and prioritize the welfare of workers and consumers.
The strike is expected to disrupt electricity services briefly but aims to emphasize the importance of retaining public control over critical utilities like power. The protests reflect a broader resistance to privatization across various sectors, emphasizing the need for a transparent dialogue between the government and stakeholders. Workers demand that any reforms in the electricity sector consider the public interest and ensure equitable access to power. The nationwide strike serves as a reminder of the critical role played by electricity employees in maintaining essential services and their collective resolve to safeguard the sector from unchecked privatization.
