After majority of government employees and teachers returned to work, the Joint Action Council of Tamil Nadu Teachers' Organisations and Government Employees' Organisations (JACTTO-GEO) on Wednesday announced its decision to 'temporarily postpone' its indefinite strike. Coordinator Vincent Paulraj said, "Our first demand that the CM Edappadi K Palanniswami should invite us for talks never happened. Though we had given due notice before launching the strike, personnel and administrative reforms minister D Jayakumar held talks with us but the talks remained inconclusive. The minister had assured that the Palaniswami would hold parleys with us but it did not materialise."
He added: "In view of the upcoming examinations and practical tests for Class 10, 11 and 12 students and in consideration of the welfare of students and the sentiments of their parents, directions of the High Court as well as the appeal of the Chief Ministers and other political leaders, we have decided to temporarily suspend our indefinite protests. Our demands still remain."
He further said: "The Chief Minsiter should invite us for talks and look at the fairness of our demands and address them." Justice N Kirubakaran of the Madras High Court had on Monday asked the government school teachers to suspend their strike.
For his part, the CM appealed to the striking employees and teachers to prioritise people welfare works over their rights and return to work. Meanwhile, DMK president and Leader of the Opposition M K Stalin too on Wednesday appealed striking teachers to return to work in view of the interest of the students facing examinations.
