Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Conservancy Workers Detained for Protesting Privatization
Some workers who clean garbage in Chennai are upset because the city government wants to give their jobs to private companies.
These workers, mostly women, have been protesting since August.
On Friday, they tried to protest in front of a big government building and also at the sea, but the police stopped them and took them away.
The workers are worried that if their jobs are given to private companies, they might lose their jobs or get paid less.
Conservancy workers, mostly women, protested against the privatization of garbage clearing work in two zones of Chennai.
The protest was led by the Uzhaipor Urimai Iyakkam (Right of workers movement).
Workers tried to demonstrate in front of the Secretariat and were detained by the police.
Another group of workers who attempted to enter the sea as part of the protest were also detained.
The protest has been ongoing since August 1, 2023, opposing the Greater Chennai Corporation's decision to privatize conservancy work in Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zones.
- Who
- Conservancy workers, mostly women, from the Uzhaipor Urimai Iyakkam
- What
- Protest against the privatization of garbage clearing work in two zones
- When
- December 12, 2023
- Where
- In front of the Secretariat and at the sea in Chennai
- Why
- To oppose the Greater Chennai Corporation's decision to privatize conservancy work in Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zones
- Date
- December 12, 2023
- Location
- Chennai, India
- Protest Group
- Uzhaipor Urimai Iyakkam (Right of workers movement)
- Zones Affected
- Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar
- Protest Duration
- Since August 1, 2023