TASMAC staff seek protection from assaulters

In the joint petition, they claimed that around 27,000 persons were employed as salesmen and supervisors in the TASMAC outlets across the State. Recalling that they were appointed by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in 2003, they added that they have been working in the department over the last 14 years. 

They said things went on well till the closure of TASMAC outlets and bars located within 500 metres from the National and State Highways on April 1, following the Supreme Court’s order. “As our shops were closed we have been entrusted with the task of identifying a suitable place to relocate them,” a petitioner said. 

Stating that identifying a suitable place was a tough job, they added that things turned worse following the anti-TASMAC protests. They said that the number of shops that are attacked is on the rise every day, posing a threat to the safety of the staff working. They sought job regularisation and social security. They wanted police protection for the relocated shops. 

The petitioning trade unions included the ruling party’s Anna Thozhilalar Peravai (ATP), Labour Progressive Front, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India Trade Union Congress and the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe employees trade union. The Chief Minister assured to look into the demands and also fullfil those that were possible.