Strike to hit TN Government bus service from May 15

Chennai: Tamil Nadu bus transport corporation unions have announced that their indefinite strike would begin on May 15 morning, as wage revision talks with the Tamil Nadu Government failed on Sunday. Bus services in several areas were affected from Sunday evening itself as bus
workers resorted to flash strikes. Economically weaker sections and the lower middle classes would be hit by the strike.  

Labour Progressive Federation all India treasurer K Natarajan said the second round of talks held on May 14 failed due to the adamant attitude of the State government. Only 10 per cent of the 22,000 State transport corporation buses are likely to operate on Monday morning, he added as most of the workers would keep away from work.

The striking workers are demanding among other things, settlement of retirement benefits and payment of operational deficit to the transport corporations.

Natarajan charged the government with intimidation of workers and use of provocative tactics against the employees through large
police deployment at depots.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Omni Bus Owners Association president A Afzal said the association had decided to support the government
by providing nearly 2,000 spare buses.

Afzal said the association had asked its members not to hike the fares due to the strike.