Withdraw strike call: Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister V S Sivakumar has urged trade unions to withdraw from the motor strike planned on Monday. The State Government does not approve of the petrol price hike, an opinion voiced by the Chief Minister himself. By waiving additional sales tax on petrol - a decision taken by the UDF Government on Saturday - the state stood to lose Rs 108 crore, he said. He also condemned the attacks on KSRTC buses and public property.Employees can be paid salary and other benefits promptly only if the bus services are operated smoothly, the Minister said.