Transport unions to hold explanatory meetings, but officials firm on pay cut

The leaders from various transport unions like Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and CITU held a discussion meeting in Pallavan House on Thursday to take the next course of action. The union leaders also complained about officials working in various transport regions like Salem, Kumbakonam and Coimbatore intentionally mark absence for transport workers. Further, seven-day salary deduction during strike is against law, they said. The leaders stated that workers, who retired in January, were denied their retirement benefits. Further, the department has also reduced ‘daily incentive’ for both drivers and conductors. 

K Natarajan, treasurer of LPF, said that the union leaders will meet all the workers in their respective transport regions on February 9 in the state. “We will conduct explanatory meeting to the workers in all the regions and will receive feedbacks from them,” he said. He also charged that they came to know that transport officials started transferring more workers. The leaders demanded the transport department to look into this issue and take necessary measures. They sent a resolution copy to the Additional Chief Secretary (Transport). 

Speaking to DT Next, PWC Davidar, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport), said “We have clearly informed that payment will be cut to those, who were absent during strike days. The transport norms state, ‘no work, no pay’ and union leaders and even workers are aware of this procedure.” The transport department will look into the matter, if officials harass employees, he added.