Bus strike in Tamil Nadu
Transport workers in Tamil Nadu have declared an indefinite bus strike starting January 9, citing several demands that have not been addressed by the state government. The key demands include:
- Wage Revision: The workers are demanding the signing of the 15th wage revision agreement to increase their pay.
- Fill Vacancies: They are calling for the filling of vacancies in bus driver and conductor positions to address workforce shortages.
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Release of dearness allowances (DA) amounting to ₹6000 per month for retired workers, which has not been released for the past eight years.
Workers affiliated with major unions such as the Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), and Anna Thozhir Sanga Peravai (ATSP) are part of the strike. However, the strike has not significantly affected bus operations, with about 80% of buses reportedly operational on the first day of the strike.
Tamil Nadu Transport Minister SS Sivasankar has referred to the strike as a ‘political move’ and emphasized the need for smooth operations, especially during the Pongal festival season. The minister stated that the government is willing to address the workers’ demands but also urged that public services should not be disrupted. The Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), a trade union affiliated with the ruling DMK, is not participating in the strike.
As of now, the strike has not significantly impacted bus operations, with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) running a considerable number of buses despite the industrial action.
