Public suffer as government, busmen stay defiant

Contrary to claims by the Transport Minister R Vijayabhaskar that 80 per cent of the government buses were plying, there was no end in sight to the people’s agony for the third consecutive day as the indefinite transport workers strike intensified just a week ahead of Pongal festivities with an aggressive state government and defiant transport unions hardening their position.

Even as the Transport Department started issuing show cause notices to the striking employees and threatened suspension from service, union leaders declared that the strike would continue until their demands are met with despite the Madras High Court order. They also claimed that they would explain their position before the court on January 8. People preparing for Pongal festivities throughout the state faced untold hardships without public transport and fell prey to fleecing autorickshaws and private buses. Train travel also turned unpleasant with it being jampacked as that remained the lone alternative in the absence of buses.

However, Vijaybhaskar exuded confidence that many are getting back to work in tune with the wage revision offered by the Government and the High Court directive. He also expressed confidence that full services could be operational from Sunday across Tamil Nadu. 

But on Saturday, the situation in Chennai city was no different when compared to the past two days as less than 20 per cent of MTC buses were operated. The Northern region-Kanchipuram, Vellore, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Thiruvannamalai districts- witnessed a mere 20 to 25 per cent of government bus services.

Similarly, the rest of the city also saw a crippled fleet in operation. While 20 per cent of buses operated in the southern region, the western districts witnessed 25 to 30 per cent. Similarly, central region had a mere 10 per cent of the fleet in operation while Northern districts saw less than 20 per cent of buses in action.

We will face case legally, say trade union leaders

Transport trade union leaders are poised to stage protests across the state on Monday. In a joint press meet, the union leaders stressed on continuing the strike and facing the case legally. Further, they hoped that the strike would end in their victory. The leaders also noted that even the retired transport employees, who should be provided gratuity within 30 days, need to wait for three years to get the amount.

“This is not the first time that such a kind of issue has emerged. Transport unions had previously approached the court regarding such issues, which subsequently directed the government to disburse necessary amount to the workers. But the government failed to do the same,” the members stated in a resolution.

Small buses operated in and around city: 200

Strength of the crew: 24,000

Trips per day:  52,000