Teachers, government staff to strike on August 22

CHENNAI: The

Joint Action Committee of Tamilnadu

Teachers Organisations and

Government Employees Organisations

(JACTTO-GEO) announced that they will go ahead with its original plans for a state-wide strike on August 22, asking for changes to pay structure, increments and other demands.

On August 5, over one lakh teachers and government employees converged on

Wallajah Road

as part of a pre-planned action to draw the state's attention to their demands. Key among the group's demands include announcing continuation of

old pension scheme for all employees

, including those who joined duty after April 1, 2003 and immediate revision in pay structure to the tune of 20%.

JACTTO-GEO also wants the state to hike and revise salaries bringing it on par with the Seventh Pay Commission recommendation, whose benefits are enjoyed by central government employees. The group also demands changes to pay structure including scrapping special allowance, consolidated pay and honorarium in favour of a definite pay. This decision follows the perceived failure of the government, according to the group, to listen to their demands. Details on the scale of the strike will be announced on Monday by JACTTO-GEO, a statement said.