Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Saturday urged members of the Joint Action Council of Tamil Nadu Teachers’ Organisations and Government Employees Organisations (JACTTO-GEO) not to go on strike as it will hit relief work in the districts ravaged by Cyclone Gaja.
In an official release, he assured the associations that all their demands would be reviewed and the feasible ones implemented.
The statement comes a day after talks between the government and representatives of JACTTO-GEO remained inconclusive.
Personnel and Administrative Reforms Minister D. Jayakumar, Finance Secretary K. Shanmugam and senior officials held the meeting with about 20 representatives from JACTTO-GEO.
After the talks failed, the JACTTO-GEO announced an indefinite protest from December 4. Among the demands are restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, payment of arrears and regularisation of services of those on consolidated pay.
Committee report
On the pension scheme, Mr. Palaniswami said the government had just now received the report from T.S. Sridhar Committee and after a detailed study appropriate decision would be taken. He noted that despite the financial burden, the State had been increasing the salaries of government staff.
The Chief Minister said that the committee to study salary increases would submit its report soon and it would be implemented.
The interest of the government employees would be protected, after taking into account the funds needed for various welfare and development schemes, Mr. Palaniswami said.
