As if traveling during a heat wave wasn’t bad enough, many Tamil Nadu commuters yesterday found themselves stranded at bus stops.
A number of opposition-backed Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) trade unions launched an indefinite strike over pay and other issues, which meant most buses were not in operation. Less than a third of drivers reported for duty on Monday.
Commuters in several districts faced hardships and the action provoked several acts of violence targeting government buses across the state.
However, Transport Minister MR Vijayabaskar claimed 75% of the government’s transport services were operating.
Ten trade unions, including the Labour Progressive Federation (DMK) and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CPM), took part in the action.
Over 23,000 TNSTC buses operate in the state.