Gobi AIADMK MLA and Former Minister KA Sengottaiyan appealed to the Government to resolve the woes of TNSTC workers.
He led a demonstration of ATP, BJP Trade Union etc in front of the TNSTC head office at Erode on Tuesday to highlight various problems of workers while 32 TUs announced indefinite strike from Jan 4.
In his speech, he said during AIADMK rules, once in 3 years, the wage pact was signed. Now, even after 4 years no talks were held for signing new wage pact. While traffic was high, drivers were forced to work for 18 hours instead of 8 hours.
During AIADMK rule of 73 demands, 52 were fulfilled and only after that wage talks were held. But now even wage talks were not held. Only members of ATP were working for 2 shifts due to lack of staff. But DMK union members work in one shift only.
During AIADMK, 35000 staff were appointed. But, now, no workers was appointed. No new tyres and spareparts were given. Out of 8 trips of bus operation in a route, 4 trips were existed. So, people also face much difficulty.
The diesel km ratio norm is 4.5. But TNSTC drivers were forced to ensure 6.5 norm. During Diwali, retired staff were used to run buses endangering the safety of public. The old buses were remodelled and operated as new buses. Many buses were in poor condition.
The conductor and drivers were harassed in many ways. Around 1.25 lakh staff are in TNSTC. 95000 staff were not given DA. 16000 retired staff were not given any retirement benefit. The TNSTC is suffering with huge loss. So, the government should give Rs 2000 cr grant to TNSTC every year. Now, the unions were invited for talks on Jan 3. So, all unions should put forth their demands unitedly for the benefit of workers, he pleaded.
The AIADMK District Secretary and former Minister KV Ramalingam, ex MLA KS Thennarasu, ATP Union leaders Jeeva Ramasamy, John, and many others attended the stir.