MTC workers withdraw flash strike in Chennai after talks with govt

Within hours of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) workers going on a flash strike on Monday morning (July 1) over payment delay and alleged salary cut, leaving unsuspecting commuters stranded, the same has been withdrawn.

This came about after the government agreed to meet the demand of the striking workers.

Earlier, Various parts of Chennai, including Avadi, Ambattur, Adyar, Anna Nagar West and CMBT, reported non-operation of buses from major bus stops.

The suburban trains and metro witnessed a heavy rush in passenger numbers as the commuters were forced to take other transports. Auto-rickshaws and share-autos were also in high demand.

Roads too were chock-a-block with more passengers using personal vehicles during the rush hours in the morning.

Officials, reportedly, have assured the employees that they would solve the issue and appealed to them to resume work. Senior transport department officials said Transport Minister M R Vijayabhaskar have assured the employees that full salary would be paid by this evening and appealed to them to return to work.

Of the 33 depots in the city, 29 are working in full strength and some issues persisted in the rest due to “communication issues”, a senior department official said.

The trade unions have assured the government that employees will be back to work and services would be on in full swing, the official said.

A city that is already grappling with water issues, the flash strike added to the woes of the residents.

(With input from agencies.)