Why have transport workers in Tamil Nadu announced an indefinite strike?

Tamil Nadu’s transport workers' unions have declared an indefinite strike starting Tuesday, accusing the state government of not addressing their demands. Talks with the government led by MK Stalin on Monday failed to reach an agreement.

The unions, including the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), had demanded the signing of the 15th wage revision agreement, revising dearness allowance for pensioners, and filling vacancies in bus driver and conductor posts.

CITU leader A Soundararajan stated that the state government's response, rejecting all demands, was "unjust" and "unfair." He emphasised the release of Dearness Allowance pending for eight years to pensioners, stating they weren't seeking a raise but asking for the due DA.


Soundararajan urged the government to set a date for talks on enhanced wages under the 15th wage revision pact, questioning the government's right to ask them to cancel the strike if they couldn't accept this demand.

The strike by transport unions precedes the major Tamil festival 'Pongal,' potentially causing disruptions during the festive rush. Transport Minister S S Sivasankar alleged that the strike had "political motives" and would inconvenience the public. He warned of appropriate action and stated that the demands would be met when the financial situation improves.

Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised the DMK government for not meeting any of the workers' union demands.

Inputs from PTI