Chennai, May 9: Following a remarkable performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the influence of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, TVK, is rapidly growing among government transport employees. Energized by electoral success, some staff members from the Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings (STU) have initiated plans to establish a new trade union affiliated with TVK.
Sources indicate that several bus drivers and conductors from the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), who openly supported TVK during the campaign, celebrated the party’s victory by distributing sweets and gathering outside various branch offices.
Now, these TVK-supporting employees are preparing to form an independent workers’ union within TNSTC and the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC). This union is expected to operate similarly to the strong unions linked to DMK and AIADMK, which have held influence in transport corporations for years.
According to sources, TVK-supporting transport employees have reached out to senior party leaders, requesting formal recognition and organizational support for the union. The party leadership has responded positively to this proposal, and initial discussions regarding the union’s structure and leadership have begun.
Employees involved in this initiative state that the primary goal of the new union will be to protect workers’ rights and address long-standing issues. These include service conditions, increasing work pressure, transfers, salary complaints, and retirement benefits.
A driver from the Mettupalayam branch of TNSTC, speaking on the condition of anonymity, mentioned that the union could be launched soon. He noted that many drivers and conductors associated with Vijay’s fan club are currently members of DMK and AIADMK unions but are considering shifting their support following TVK’s rise.
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