Sand lorry owners to launch Indefinite strike from May 23
The Tamil Nadu Sand Owners Federation and the Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Federation have jointly announced a Statewide indefinite strike from May 23, demanding the reopening of closed sand quarries, regulation of M-sand prices, and withdrawal of a recent government order extending quarry licences for up to 30 years.
The decision was made during a consultative meeting held here on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sella Rajamani, State president of Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Federation, said the government's failure to address their long-standing demands had forced the unions to opt for protest.
'We are left with no choice. Though there was an announcement that M-sand prices would be reduced, no steps have been taken so far. The government must regulate M-sand sales and resume sand quarry operations immediately,' Mr. Rajamani said.
'We strongly oppose the new G.O. granting 30-year quarry licences, and we will not remain silent until it is withdrawn,' he added.
The federations warned that the strike, involving a halt in lorry operations across Tamil Nadu, would severely affect the construction sector and could result in an estimated loss of ₹10 crore in daily revenue for the State government.
Further, the strike would affect over 55,000 workers and lorry owners across Tamil Nadu, Mr. Rajamani said.
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