TASMAC liquor shop employees in multiple districts, including Kancheepuram and Thanjavur, staged a protest by refusing to open outlets. The agitation sought withdrawal of the empty liquor bottle buyback plan and objected to recent suspension orders.
The state government has announced measures such as a monthly pay hike of Rs 10,000 and a monthly maintenance allowance, aimed at curbing the practice of collecting extra money per bottle. TASMAC has instructed district managers to conduct checks and take action against staff found collecting additional amounts.
Following these directions, suspensions have been issued from September 2 onwards. Over the past two days alone, more than 200 employees have reportedly been suspended, triggering backlash from staff in several locations, including parts of Chennai’s suburbs.
Employees argued that action should be based on proper inspection, and alleged that decisions were being made without adequate verification. They also said the cost of collecting empty bottles was being borne by workers, and demanded that the buyback scheme be withdrawn.
A TASMAC official said tenders have been called to implement an equipment-based scanning system for bottle returns, and employees will not be involved in that process. The official added that those shutting shops and protesting citing the bottle-return work have been directed to face departmental action.
