Tamil Nadu transport unions called off an indefinite strike on the second day after the intervention of Madras High Court. With this, the normal bus services are set to resume on Thursday. The strike organised by CITU, Anna Tholirsanga Peravai and other unions started on Tuesday with six-charter demands including signing of 15th wage revision agreement to increase pay.
The transport strike had been a cause of concern for the people since 'Pongal', a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu, was around the corner. However, the strike had a negligible impact on public life, with approximately 96% of buses operating on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
In Cuddalore, tension ensued after trade unions workers attempted to stop the buses and argued with drivers and police.
On the first day of the strike, Tamil Nadu Transport Minister SS Sivasankar after inspecting the bus terminus in Koyambedu 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," he said.
On Tuesday, employees of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) started an indefinite strike, citing a range of demands. The workers demanded the government fill vacancies for bus drivers and conductors, release Dearness Allowances (DA) for retired workers and sign 15th wage revision agreement for a salary hike across the state. The strike began after discussions between transport authorities and union representatives hit a stalemate.
Meanwhile, AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned government for not coming forward to meet even a single demand of the trade union.
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