Transport workers to go ahead with strike from today

However, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses in some districts like Tiruchy, Thanjavur and Udhagamandalam were off the roads by Sunday evening itself after crew came to know that their demands were not met. Even several employees of MTC did not operate the buses, while some operated with police protection in the city. 

During the talks on Sunday, the minister informed the union leaders that the government would disburse Rs 500 crore in September, but the leaders did not agree and they demanded at least Rs 1,000 crore. A Soundararajan, president, TNST Employees Federation said though the unions had given enough time regarding fulfilment of their demands, the authorities did not pay heed. “Around 10 trade unions gave notice to the transport department. The strike will be full-fledged from Monday.” 

V Krishnamurthy, MD, MTC and head of the government panel, said the trade union leaders were not heeding their words. When asked if MTC buses will be operational, the MD said that all the MTC buses would ply without fail. 

Vijayabhaskar warned of legal action, if union leaders went on strike. “We will operate all TNSTC buses across the state. I have assured that Rs 500 crore would be settled. But, they remained adamant.” 

Southern Railway would be operating special suburban EMU trains on Chennai Beach -Avadi/Tiruvallur, Chennai Beach-Velachery and Chennai Beach -Tambaram – Chengalpet, Chennai Beach -Avadi Ponneri sectors from May 15 in view of the transport strike. Stating that the services have been operated based on request from Tamil Nadu government, a railway release said additional trains would cater to the needs of over 52,000 passengers.