Business in several State government offices across Tamil Nadu was disrupted on Tuesday as over four lakh employees from various associations coming under the Tamil Nadu Government Employees Association (TNGEA) launched an indefinite strike, pressing for various demands including the rollback of the new pension scheme.
“We informed the State government about our decision as early as January. Though School Education Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan spoke to us a few days ago and said discussions could be arranged with the Chief Secretary, the latter was not open to talks. Our indefinite strike will intensify if the government doesn’t call us for talks,” TNGEA general secretary M. Anbarasu said.
While most government offices had a slim attendance, there were a few without even a single employee working.
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The protesting employees are demanding that the recommendations of the new panel constituted to go into the demand for reviving the old pension scheme finalise its report.
“Since the government would have to incur a huge sum as per the recommendations of the panel, we urge the government to pay an interim relief of 20% for the employees till the final award is implemented,” Mr. Anbarasu said.
Other demands include the creation of a separate time scale for employees in the noon meals scheme and the Integrated Child Development Services
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As for road workers, TNGEA has been demanding that the 41-month dismissal period be treated as months served, as directed by the courts. “Due to some political reasons, these road workers are being punished. Though there were indications that the dismissal period would be regularised, it has not been ordered. The road workers have borrowed heavily during those months and are facing a huge debt burden now,” TNGEA president M. Subramanian said.
If the government fails to hold talks with the protesting employees, TNGEA has warned that it would intensify the agitation.