Life may be affected in Tamil Nadu. In fact, transport employee unions have accused the state government of not considering their demands. Making this allegation, they have gone on indefinite strike from Tuesday. This decision has been taken after failed talks with the MK Stalin-led government on Monday. In the talks, a coalition of various unions, including the Center of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), put forward a list of their demands, which included signing the 15th Wage Revision Agreement. Apart from this, demands were made for amendment in salary, Dearness Allowance for pensioners as well as filling of vacancies in the posts of bus drivers and conductors.
What did CITU leader A Soundararajan say?
According to CITU leader A Soundararajan, the state government has made it clear that any demand of the transport workers cannot be accepted now. This decision has been taken following the stance of the government. Soundararajan further said that this government is treating the Transport Corporation employees as second class citizens. A major demand is to release dearness allowance to pensioners which has been pending for eight years. We are not demanding an increase in it, we are asking for release of due DA. Urging the government to fix a date for starting talks to fix increased wages under the 15th Wage Revision Agreement, the CITU leader said that if they cannot accept even this demand, then the government will have to ask us to call off the strike. There is no right to ask for.
Strike before festival ‘Pongal’ will cause trouble
Let us discuss here that the strike of transport unions took place before the Tamil festival ‘Pongal’. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the state. The strike of transport unions may have a significant impact on the festival. Meanwhile, State Transport Minister S S Shivshankar on Monday alleged that the strike of transport employees has political connections. This will cause trouble to the public. Warning of appropriate action on the strike, the minister further said that the demands will be considered after the financial situation improves. Meanwhile, the reaction of AIADMK chief and opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami has come to light. He criticized the DMK government.