COIMBATORE: Buoyed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) strong performance in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, a section of employees in the State Transport Undertakings (STUs) has initiated efforts to form a new trade union aligned with actor-politician Vijay’s party.

According to sources in the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), several bus crew members, including drivers and conductors who openly supported TVK during the election campaign, celebrated the party’s electoral success by distributing sweets and gathering outside branch offices in different parts of the state.

Drivers, Conductors Celebrate TVK’s Electoral Rise

Encouraged by TVK’s emergence as a major political force, supporters within TNSTC and the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) are now working towards establishing an independent workers’ union within the transport undertakings.

The proposed union is expected to operate on lines similar to the influential unions affiliated with the DMK and AIADMK, both of which have traditionally enjoyed strong influence in transport corporations whenever their respective parties were in power.

Union to Raise Long-Pending Employee Issues

Sources said transport employees backing TVK have already approached senior party leaders seeking official recognition and organisational support for the launch of the union.

Party leaders have reportedly responded positively and initiated preliminary discussions regarding the structure and leadership of the proposed body.

Employees involved in the initiative stated that the union would focus on protecting workers’ rights and addressing long-pending issues affecting transport staff, including service conditions, workload, transfers, salary grievances and retirement benefits.

“The union is likely to be launched soon,” a driver attached to TNSTC’s Mettupalayam branch said on condition of anonymity.

He added that many drivers and conductors associated with Vijay’s fan clubs are currently members of unions linked to the DMK and AIADMK but are now considering shifting allegiance following TVK’s electoral rise.

TVK’s Growing Reach Among Government Employees

Political observers believe the move reflects TVK’s growing influence among sections of government employees and organised labour groups, especially younger workers and Vijay supporters who actively campaigned for the party during the Assembly elections.

The development is also being closely watched within transport corporations, where trade unions have historically played a significant role in labour negotiations and administrative decisions.