CHENNAI: The State government was confident of operating its entire fleet of buses on Tuesday, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said, adding that 70 per cent of the buses belonging to government transport corporations were operated on Monday.
Accusing DMK chief M Karunanidhi of instigating the strike of employees belonging to the Labour Progressive Front, Panneerselvam said, “Talks on wage revision agreement can’t be held since a case in this regard in pending before the Supreme Court.”
“However, there is a way out: if the LPF files an affidavit before the apex court that Anna Thozhil Sangam is the only trade union which has the highest number of employees as its members, then the court can dispose the case and talks can be held. If Karunanidhi is really concerned about the welfare of transport corporation employees, let them come forward to file this affidavit,” Panneerselvam said in a statement here.
Panneerselvam further said that the Labour Progressive Front members, who had been misled by the DMK, abstained from work and indulged in violence. Since those involved in violence can’t hold government transport corporations and the public as hostage, legal action has been taken against them.
Meanwhile, the bus strike did not have much of an impact on Monday as buses were seen plying. Even suburban railway stations were not crowded like Sunday.