Pongal: Bus Services To Face Disruption Starting January 9 Due to Transport Unions' Strike

The travel plans of many people gearing up for the Pongal festival might be affected as around 30 trade unions from state transport corporations have declared a strike starting January 9.

The decision came after inconclusive talks with labor and transport departments on Wednesday.

CITU, one of the major transport trade unions in the state, revealed that the government has rejected crucial demands, including concerns about outsourcing conductor and driver jobs as reported by New Indian Express.

With 19,500 buses operated by the eight state transport corporations in Tamil Nadu, catering to 1.7 crore daily commuters, workers’ unions are pushing for increased DA for pensioners and current employees, filling 35,000 vacancies, and discussions on wage revision. The unions also oppose the outsourcing of bus driver and conductor positions.

The government’s refusal to address these crucial demands has fueled this strike action. While the Transport Minister has urged workers to reconsider, mentioning plans for discussions post the Pongal festival, the LPF affiliated with the DMK and some unions in the DMK alliance have not joined the strike.

The workforce of 1.15 lakh in these corporations, with a substantial 35% to 40% being associated with the LPF and its friendly unions, adds complexity to the situation. This strike call highlights issues faced by over 90,000 retired workers who have not seen a DA hike in 15 years.

Despite some government initiatives like bonuses and funds allocated for various schemes, unresolved issues like vacancies and DA hikes persist, leading to discontent among workers. The government has assured talks on January 19 to address these concerns after the Pongal festivities.

Private buses are taking advantage of the government’s decision to operate limited special buses for Pongal celebrations, as one-way fares to Coimbatore reached a staggering 5,000 for the first time. For Chennai-Coimbatore, one charged 5,000 for A/C sleeper berths, and trips to Madurai or Tirunelveli neared 4,000 last Friday.

Unlike last year, the government has not yet announced the schedule for special buses due to threats of a strike by transport workers’ unions demanding better pay and overdue terminal benefits.

Passengers are distressed, facing difficulties securing train tickets and dealing with private operators charging triple the usual fare. The standoff has also led to a shift in bus departures, with only private omni buses leaving from Koyambedu this year.