Tamil Nadu: Employees union demands action against senior Tasmac officials

COIMBATORE: The Tasmac Employees Union, affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, petitioned the collector on Monday against some senior officials of the state-run enterprise, who allegedly forced employees to open sealed shops during the lockdown and sell liquor.
As per the government order on May 8, all Tasmac shops were to be shut from May 10 until the lockdown was lifted, the petition said. “Between May eight and 10, Tasmac made Rs 950 crore-worth sales compared to the usual Rs 250 crore, because despite instructions against bulk sales, workers were forced to meet target,” said union leader James. “Since there were suspicions of thieving, Tasmac authorities ordered us to weld shutters and seal locks, which we did. We also submitted a stock list.”
“However, when the lockdown got extended, some Tasmac officials, through supervisors, specifically junior assistant to the regional manager, instructed some employees to open shops and sell liquor. While some employees agreed, others refused, fearing that they may get into trouble. Nagachandran of shop 1622 at Hopes refused to open his shop,” said James.
After July 5, when shops reopened, Tasmac authorities ordered random inspections to check if all shops had stayed shut and specifically targeted shops that didn’t open, said the petition. “Though stocks were in order, they claimed that 18 crates of alcohol were missing. Nagachandran told us that the senior supervisor and clerks demanded a bribe of Rs 2 lakh to let him off the hook. When he went to meet the regional manager, he was attacked.”
The union requested the collector to take action against corrupt Tasmac officials and protect the employees, who followed rules during the lockdown.