While transport unions have called an indefinite strike from today over their demand for better wages, officials said about 80 per cent of buses in Tamil Nadu were operating amid the stir
Unions of transport workers in Tamil Nadu are holding a strike from today over their '6 point charter of demands', which includes the initiation of talks for enhanced wages, filling vacant posts, and release of pending Dearness Allowance for those in service and retired workers.
State-run buses will be off roads from today as part of the strike that was announced by the transport unions after talks with the government failed on Monday.
Transport Minister SS Sivasankar had said the demands will be met in due course when the financial situation improves. He alleged the strike call had 'political motives' and would cause hindrance to public and warned of appropriate action if warranted.
Officials, however, said that about 80 per cent of buses in Tamil Nadu were operating amid the strike call. State government buses were operating in several parts including Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore and Kanyakumari districts, benefiting the commuters, officials said.
In Chennai, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) authorities ensured the buses were operated as usual and that the strike did not impact the public much, news agency PTI quoted a senior official as saying.
The trade unions seek implementation of '6-point charter of demands', which includes initiation of talks for enhanced wages (15th wage revision pact), filling vacant posts, and release of pending Dearness Allowance for those in service and retired workers.
A key demand is the release of Dearness Allowance (DA) pending for eight years to pensioners. "We are not seeking a hike and we are asking release of DA that is due," a trade union leader said.
About 96,000 pensioners have not received it and the DA due per month is Rs 6,000. For in-service workers 'the DA is unpaid' for four months, trade unions said, adding that the matter of release of about Rs 2,000 crore, which is the 'cumulative DA arrears' pending for pensioners, may be decided later.
Addressing media after talks with the government on Monday, CITU leader A Soundararajan said the government made it clear that "none of the demands of transport workers could be accepted now which is an unjust answer and an unfair stand." The trade union leader said the government has said that the talks could be resumed following the Pongal festival next week.
While trade union affiliated with the ruling DMK, the Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), is not a part of the strike, main opposition AIADMK's Anna Thozhirsanga Peravai (ATP) is among the unions that are protesting as 'demands are not met.'