The Joint Action Committee of faculty members, employees and pensioners of Annamalai University began an indefinite strike at Chidambaram on Tuesday (September 15, 2026) in front of the varsity’s administrative office to press for the implementation of their 15-point charter of demands.

The JAC comprising teachers’, employees and pensioners associations had been holding a continuous sit-in protest since August 19. As no action was taken on their demands, they intensified the agitation from Tuesday.

The protesters demanded immediate disbursement of pension to teaching and non-teaching staff who had retired in the past two years. They also sought the release of monetary benefits allegedly withheld from pensioners since 2012, pending promotions for teachers and employees, arrears under the Seventh Pay Commission, and related benefits.

The JAC also demanded the regularisation of daily-wage staff and those on consolidated pay. It also sought Seventh Pay Commission pay scales for special and liasion officers.

The indefinite strike disrupted normal functioning of the university. Most of the departments remained closed and classes were not held. The administrative officer and the Examination Wing were also closed.

Leading the protest, C. Subramaniyan, coordinator of JAC demanded that the proposed salary refixation exercise be withdrawn. He said the government should stop taking action against teachers and employees in the name of audit objections.

He also demanded that monthly pension be fixed on the basis of the salary drawn during the final month of service.