Tamil Nadu Bus Strike Begins Over Better Pay, Minister Says Operation Normal

The unions involved in the bus strike include Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), and Anna Thozhir Sanga Peravai (ATSP).

The protest comes just ahead of Pongal, a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu, which is celebrated with religious fervour, affecting the travel plans of thousands of people. ( Image Source :Twitter/@ANI )

Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) workers have started an indefinite strike with multiple demands including filling bus driver and conductor posts and releasing Dearnance Allowances (DA) for retired workers across the state. They also demand the signing of the 15th wage revision agreement to increase the pay. The protest comes after the talks between transport authorities and Union representations ended in a stalemate.

 

According to ANI, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) holds an indefinite strike across the state demanding the signing of the 15th wage revision agreement to increase the pay, filling vacancies in bus driver and conductor posts and releasing Dearnance Allowances (DA) for retired workers.

 

#WATCH | Kancheepuram: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) holds an indefinite strike across the state demanding the signing of the 15th wage revision agreement to increase the pay, filling vacancies in bus driver and conductor posts and releasing Dearnance Allowances… pic.twitter.com/gZecKaaPKD

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2024

 

 

 
The unions involved in the strike include Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), and Anna Thozhir Sanga Peravai (ATSP).

After inspecting the Koyambedu bus stand over the strike announcement by the Transport Union, Tamil Nadu Transport Minister SS Sivasankar said, "Overall the bus operation is very normal... As per the instructions of our CM, we are taking care of the safety and smooth travel of all passengers... The Transport Union demands action on six points, out of which two have already been met... I'm appealing to the trade unions to call off the strike. And for the public, there is no need to panic."

 
"The MTC buses were being operated as scheduled from 6 am and the public are requested not to panic. About 80 percent of the buses were being run in the state," an official said, without divulging further details.

Earlier, Transport Minister SS Sivasankar told PTI that the demands would be met in due course when the financial situation improves. Further, he alleged that the strike call had 'political moves' and warned of action if warranted.

In a statement, AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned for not coming forward to meet even a single demand of the trade union. 

Meanwhile, the protest comes just ahead of Pongal, a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu, which is celebrated with religious fervour, affecting the travel plans of thousands of people. The government has also made arrangement to operate 17,589 additional buses from January 16 to 18.