Public services across Tamil Nadu are set to face major disruption as the Joint Action Council of Tamil Nadu Teachers’ Organisations and Government Employees’ Organisations (JACTO-GEO) announced an indefinite statewide strike from January 6.
The strike was called following the failure of talks with the state government.
The decision comes a day after a high-level meeting held at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat with Public Works Minister E V Velu, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, and School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.
Union representatives said the discussions failed to address their core demands, leaving them with no option but to intensify their protest.
KEY DEMANDS OF THE UNIONS
JACTO-GEO is pressing for the revival of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees, citing concerns over financial security post-retirement.
Other demands include the filling up of long-pending vacant posts, revision and increase of pay scales, and improvements in service conditions for teachers and government staff.
With thousands of teachers and government employees expected to participate, the strike could significantly affect schools, government offices, and public administration across the state.
Union leaders have urged the government to reconsider its stand and resume talks to avert inconvenience to the public.
GOVERNMENT YET TO RESPOND
While ministers participated in the discussions, the state government has not yet issued an official response following the strike announcement.
Officials, however, have indicated that the government remains committed to fiscal discipline while balancing employee welfare.
Union leaders reiterated that the strike would continue indefinitely unless concrete assurances were given. As the January 6 deadline approaches, all eyes are on whether fresh negotiations can prevent a prolonged standoff.
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