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TVK Supporters in TNSTC Move to Form New Trade Union After Poll Victory

A section of employees in Tamil Nadu's State Transport Undertakings, buoyed by TVK's electoral success, are moving to form a new trade union aligned with actor-politician Vijay's party. The proposed union aims to rival powerful DMK and AIADMK-affiliated unions in transport corporations. Workers have approached TVK leaders for recognition and support, citing long-pending issues like service conditions and salary grievances. Political observers see this as a sign of TVK's growing influence among government employees and organized labor groups.

Key Points: TVK supporters in TNSTC plan new trade union after election win

  • TVK supporters in TNSTC/SETC plan new union
  • Union to rival DMK/AIADMK-backed unions
  • Focus on worker rights and pending grievances
  • Party leaders respond positively to proposal
2 min read

TVK supporters in TNSTC move to form new trade union after poll victory

TVK-aligned TNSTC employees plan a new trade union to rival DMK/AIADMK unions, citing worker rights and long-pending issues.

"The union is likely to be launched soon. - driver attached to TNSTC's Mettupalayam branch"

Coimbatore, May 9

Riding on the momentum of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's impressive performance in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, a section of employees in the State Transport Undertakings have initiated efforts to form a new trade union aligned with the actor-politician Vijay-led party.

According to sources in the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), several bus crew members, including drivers and conductors who openly supported TVK during the election campaign, celebrated the party's electoral success by distributing sweets and gathering in front of branch offices across parts of the state.

Encouraged by the party's emergence as a major political force, TVK supporters within TNSTC and the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) are now seeking to establish an independent workers' union under the transport undertakings.

The proposed union is expected to function on lines similar to the powerful unions affiliated with the DMK and AIADMK, both of which have traditionally held considerable influence in transport corporations whenever their respective parties were in power.

Sources said transport workers backing TVK had already approached senior party functionaries requesting formal recognition and organisational support for launching the union.

Party leaders have reportedly responded positively and initiated preliminary discussions regarding its structure and leadership.

Employees involved in the initiative said the objective of the proposed union would be to safeguard workers' rights and raise several long-pending issues affecting transport employees, including service conditions, workload, transfers, salary-related grievances and retirement benefits.

"The union is likely to be launched soon," a driver attached to the TNSTC's Mettupalayam branch told media persons on condition of anonymity.

He added that many drivers and conductors associated with Vijay's fan clubs were currently members of unions linked to the DMK and AIADMK, but were now considering shifting allegiance following TVK's electoral rise.

Political observers believe the move reflects TVK's growing influence among sections of government employees and organised labour groups, especially younger workers and Vijay supporters who actively campaigned for the party during the Assembly elections.

The development is also being closely watched within transport corporations, where trade unions have long played a key role in labour negotiations and administrative decisions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good initiative! Transport workers have been neglected for too long with DMK and AIADMK unions just playing politics. If TVK can genuinely address salary issues and working conditions, workers have every right to form their own union. 😊
A
Arun Y
Honestly, this is exactly how DMK and AIADMK started - using government employees and unions to gain political control. TVK is just following the same pattern. Workers should be careful not to become pawns in political games again.
P
Priya S
My father is a retired TNSTC conductor and he says unions in transport corporations have always been about party loyalty, not worker welfare. If TVK can actually deliver on service conditions and retirement benefits, it will be a welcome change. But let's not forget - Vijay needs to prove he's serious about governance first. 🙏
V
Vikram M
Interesting development. TVK has captured the imagination of young people across Tamil Nadu. If they can form a union that actually works for the workers without the usual corrupt practices, it could set a new standard. But the real test will be whether they can maintain this momentum beyond the election euphoria.
K
Kavya N
I'm skeptical. Vijay's party hasn't even formed a proper government yet. Jumping into union formation now seems like putting the cart before the horse. Workers should wait and see how TVK performs in opposition before committing to a new union. Just my two paise. 🤔

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