Chennai: Rejecting the State government’s appeals, transport unions in Tamilnadu began their indefinite strike from today morning, causing inconvenience to the public. The government has, however, made alternative arrangements to operate buses.
Protesting over non-fulfilment of various demands including clearing provident fund and other dues for retired workers, covering transport corporation losses and revising wages, about nine transport trade unions are abstaining from work.
The State transport corporations have warned of disciplinary actions against employees who take part in the strike.
Private vehicles and other buses are operating as usual, as only the unions affiliated to the opposition parties, are a part of the protest.
Sources said, with nearly one lakh workers from unions including the Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), taking part in the strike.
It may be noted that the decision to go-ahead with the protest was taken after an emergency meeting of the nine transport trade unions.
The meeting was held after Minister Vijayabhaskar announced that the serving employees would be paid Rs 1,000 a month as an interim relief till the conclusion of the 14th wage revision talks.