TN transport strike: Chief Minister refutes Stalin's charge, asks transport staff to call off strike

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday made an appeal to the striking transport workers asking them to return to work. He also rebuffed the Leader of Opposition MK Stalin for manipulating the telephonic conversation they had on Saturday.

He slammed Stalin for blaming the government and concealing what transpired in the conversation. “I request the striking workers to end their stir considering the welfare of the commuters,” he said.

Stating that the measures taken by the government were explained to Stalin, the Chief Minister observed that as many as 23 rounds of wage revision talks between the Transport Trade Unions (TUs) and the government were held in a span of 16 months.

“TUs representing workers pressed for a revision of the basic pay by multiplying it by a factor of 2.57, while the revised agreement provides for 2.44 times revision of the basic pay,” Palaniswami said.

“If one were to factor in the 5.5 per cent revision effected in 2013, the proposed 2.44 times would be equivalent to the 2.57 times sought by the workers. The present agreement provides for a minimum rise of Rs 2,684 and a maximum of Rs 11,361,” the Chief Minister noted.

He also faulted Stalin on having failed to convince the Opposition backed Trade Unions by presenting the fact that the proposed revision is the best and unprecedented in terms of its quantum.

“While I told Stalin every step the government has taken to end the stir, his statements claim that I had not disclosed any measure by the government to end it, which is disheartening,” Palaniswami added.

The Indian Muslim League national president Kader Mohideen urged the government to find an immediate solution to the ongoing bus strike. Participating in a marriage function in Madurai on Sunday, Mohideen said that the Centre is acting against the rights of Muslims in the ‘Triple Talaq’ issue and it is taking decision on its own without consulting the stakeholders and Muslim representatives.

He thanked the Opposition parties, which had stalled the passing of the bill in the Rajya Sabha. “The Triple Talaq Bill must be sent to Parliamentary Standing Committee,” he added. He also touched upon the rights of state governments and said that the Centre is gradually grabbing state’s autonomy. He cited the functioning of Tamil Nadu Governor and Puducherry Lt Governor as examples.