Mathadis say demands not met, threaten strike

APMC: The mathadis (head-loaders) have threatened to strike work and take to the streets if their long-pending demands are not met by the state government at the earliest. The decision was taken at the annual Mathadi meet held at the APMC market onion potato market, earlier this week to commemorate the 34th death anniversary of mathadi leader Annasaheb Patil. The mathadis were also upset at lack of representation at the meeting by any government minister. MLC and mathadi leader Narendra Patil said, “The government has been trying to get rid of the Mathadi Act. There are issues of mathadi housing and restrictions at APMC wholesale market. If the state government does not resolve the issues, then mathadis across the state, will take to the streets.”