Transport officials to meet Trade Unions again

Even after seven-rounds of talks, the state transport employees are still facing issues like pending arrears and promotions. Transport union members have demanded the transport officials to fulfil their 32-charter points, which have already been agreed by the government. 

“Though the transport officials have agreed to pay attention on our issues before holding talks on June 1, only 50 per cent of the issues have been cleared,” said A Soundararajan, president, Tamil Nadu State Transport Employees Federation. 

Natarajan, treasurer of Labour Progressive Federation said, “We are continuously in touch with the state transport officials and there is a high possibility for another huddle after June 8, as debate on demand for transport in the Assembly is to take place on that day.” 

Asked, whether it would be a last meeting and all the issues could be settled at one meeting, Nataraj remained sceptical and replied, “Since a sizeable number of important issues remains pending, there will still be three rounds of talks.” 

When contacted, a panel member of transport department said, “We will discuss with the sub-committee, which consists of members from each union and set the date for holding talks. In the coming meeting, main issues like disbursing arrears and making temporary employees permanent will be discussed.” The official added that all the issues could be sorted out before November 2017.