Tasmac suspends 245 supervisors as workers strike over bottle return scheme
Employees in Tamil Nadu are protesting a revised liquor bottle return mechanism, leading to widespread outlet closures across several districts.
Employees of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) held a strike on November 1 and November 2, resulting in the closure of more than 650 outlets. According to reports from Business Standard and Moneycontrol, the agitation was directed against a revised mechanism for an empty liquor bottle return scheme.
The protest has led to disciplinary action by the state-run corporation. Tasmac suspended 245 retail shop supervisors and issued show-cause notices to 1,729 employees for allegedly closing outlets without authorisation. The Madurai region recorded 475 notices, followed by Salem with 459, Tiruchy with 418, and Chennai with 341.
Workers are protesting the new scheme, which includes a ₹10 amount in the bottle's MRP to facilitate a buyback process. Employees claim the scheme increases their workload through additional scanning, verification, and storage requirements. They also cited inadequate handheld scanning devices, lack of storage space, and a lack of basic facilities like toilets.
The state government defended the mechanism, stating it aims to increase transparency and fix issues regarding the collection and refund of the ₹10 amount. Prohibition and Excise Minister K Vignesh said the government would not tolerate unauthorised closures and would deploy alternative staff to ensure outlets function.
Under an interim arrangement, staff will collect empty bottles for approved vendors. Outlets in Greater Chennai Corporation limits will receive up to ₹2,000 a day for this work, while other locations will receive between ₹1,500 and ₹1,800. Employee unions stated the agitation will continue until the government holds discussions to address their grievances.