2 hrs ago
Sanitation Workers’ Indefinite Strike Disrupts Civic Services in Nagapattinam
Sanitation workers and other local body employees in Nagapattinam have stopped working.
They began an indefinite strike on Monday.
The workers want permanent jobs and a fair minimum wage.
They also oppose handing sanitation work to private contractors.
Their other demands include safety equipment and unpaid allowances for hazardous work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The workers gathered outside the municipality office to protest.
With them away from work, garbage began piling up around the town.
A former MLA called for talks between the government and trade unions.
Sanitation workers, cleanliness guards and drivers began an indefinite strike in Nagapattinam on Monday.
The CITU-organised protest demands permanent jobs, a statutory minimum living wage and an end to privatisation of sanitation work.
Workers gathered outside the Nagapattinam Municipality office to press a six-point charter of demands.
Garbage began accumulating in residential neighbourhoods and commercial areas as workers stopped work.
Their demands also include pending COVID-19 hazard allowances, compassionate appointments, EPF compliance and safety gear.
- Who
- Sanitation workers, cleanliness guards and drivers affiliated with trade unions, under the CITU banner.
- What
- They launched an indefinite strike and staged a demonstration over a six-point charter of demands.
- Where
- Outside the Nagapattinam Municipality office and across Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
- When
- Monday; the article does not specify the date.
- Why
- They are seeking permanent employment, a statutory minimum living wage, an end to privatisation, and other employment, allowance and safety measures.
Key facts
- Strike
- Indefinite
- Organising banner
- Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
- Protest location
- Outside the Nagapattinam Municipality office
- Charter
- Six-point set of demands
- Reported impact
- Garbage began piling up in residential and commercial areas
- Call for talks
- Former MLA Nagai Mali urged the state government to begin tripartite talks with trade union leaders
Quotes
Nagai Mali
A former MLA who addressed the demonstration.
“Sanitation work is permanent and indispensable in nature, yet keeping the workers temporary for decades is bizarre and unjust.”
thehansindia.com
“We have been working for 12 to 15 years, yet our jobs have not been made permanent, nor are we given adequate wages.”
thehansindia.com









