The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Su. Thirunavukkarasar on Sunday urged the State government not to marginalise the demands of the trade unions and transport workers, and call them for talks immediately and resolve their demands.
In a statement, he noted that the strike had affected the common man, government and private employees and small traders.
Mr. Thirunavukkarasar also said that the situation could turn worse during Pongal festival. “If the issue is not resolved immediately, those who want to travel during the Pongal weekend will be left stranded. Besides, private operators will fleece them to no end by charging exorbitant fares,” said.
He said the party would extend support to the union strike and stand by their reasonable demands.
In a separate statement, PMK founder S. Ramadoss slammed the government’s adamant stand which was complicating the issue further.
He noted that the strike had entered the fourth day and the attempt by the State government to further aggravate the situation was condemnable.
Mr. Ramadoss noted that it was the duty of the government to set right the lapses and the Transport Minister’s prime responsibility was to hold talks with the workers and end the strike.
Minister flayed
Instead, the Minister was making statements which could prolong the strike. He had even warned the workers of strict action if they failed to return to work.
Mr. Ramadoss noted that the demands of workers were reasonable and neither the government nor the High Court could term them otherwise.
