TASMAC employees in Coimbatore staged a protest near the South Taluk Office, demanding direct intervention from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to address their long-standing grievances, including job permanency and better working conditions.
Coimbatore: Members of the Coimbatore District TASMAC Employees Union (CITU) staged a demonstration near the South Taluk Office on Wednesday, raising slogans and presenting their demands. The protesters called for direct intervention from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to address their long-standing grievances, including job permanency for employees who have been working as daily wage workers for 21 years.
Speaking to reporters during the protest, Thiruchelvan, General Secretary of the TASMAC Employees State Federation (CITU), said, "The primary demand for permanent employment of TASMAC workers has been ignored by two successive governments. The Tamil Nadu government's Employment Regularization Act of 1981 states that a worker should be made permanent after 480 days of work in two years. However, the current state government is violating this law."
Thiruchelvan further alleged, "Even after the Labor Department issued an order stating that TASMAC employees are eligible for permanent status, the Tamil Nadu government has appealed against it. We consider this an anti-worker action."
He also pointed out the discrepancy in retirement age, stating, "Permanent employees in TASMAC are allowed to work until 60 years of age, but shop employees are forced to retire at 58 without any legal benefits. Although TASMAC is a government organization, its operations seem to benefit only private individuals."
The union leader accused TASMAC of misrepresenting its financial situation. "TASMAC has claimed a loss of 136 crore rupees in its court affidavit. However, it has mortgaged its liquor stock worth 5000 crore rupees in nationalized banks. This profitable organization is showing false losses to deny workers their legal benefits," he said.
Thiruchelvan also raised concerns about the licensing of 581 "Manamagizh Mandrams" (recreation clubs), which he claims are operating against regulations by allowing the general public instead of just members. He alleged that these clubs are being used to divert revenue from the government to private entities.
The protesters also highlighted issues such as the transfer of employees for money, poor working conditions, and unfair practices in handling cases related to illegal liquor sales. They expressed hope that the Minister would acknowledge the legitimacy of their demands and take steps to address them.
Speaking to reporters during the protest, Thiruchelvan, General Secretary of the TASMAC Employees State Federation (CITU), said, "The primary demand for permanent employment of TASMAC workers has been ignored by two successive governments. The Tamil Nadu government's Employment Regularization Act of 1981 states that a worker should be made permanent after 480 days of work in two years. However, the current state government is violating this law."
Thiruchelvan further alleged, "Even after the Labor Department issued an order stating that TASMAC employees are eligible for permanent status, the Tamil Nadu government has appealed against it. We consider this an anti-worker action."
He also pointed out the discrepancy in retirement age, stating, "Permanent employees in TASMAC are allowed to work until 60 years of age, but shop employees are forced to retire at 58 without any legal benefits. Although TASMAC is a government organization, its operations seem to benefit only private individuals."
The union leader accused TASMAC of misrepresenting its financial situation. "TASMAC has claimed a loss of 136 crore rupees in its court affidavit. However, it has mortgaged its liquor stock worth 5000 crore rupees in nationalized banks. This profitable organization is showing false losses to deny workers their legal benefits," he said.
Thiruchelvan also raised concerns about the licensing of 581 "Manamagizh Mandrams" (recreation clubs), which he claims are operating against regulations by allowing the general public instead of just members. He alleged that these clubs are being used to divert revenue from the government to private entities.
The protesters also highlighted issues such as the transfer of employees for money, poor working conditions, and unfair practices in handling cases related to illegal liquor sales. They expressed hope that the Minister would acknowledge the legitimacy of their demands and take steps to address them.