Sanitation workers’ protest for job regularisation enters third month

The protest by sanitation workers, which drew much attention in August, picked up momentum on Saturday at the Rajarathinam Stadium, where over hundreds of workers participated, demanding job regularisation and fair wages.

Led by the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam (UUI- Workers’ Rights Movement), and supported by the Labour Trade Union Centre (LTUC), the protesters called upon the Tamil Nadu government to cancel the privatisation of conservancy work in Royapuram and Thiru.Vi.Ka Nagar Zones, make sanitation workers’ jobs permanent under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), and ensure job security.

Political parties, including the VCK and the CPI(M), extended support for the protest that has continued for three months.

A. Jayaram, a worker who took part in the protest, said, permanency would provide a steady salary and help their children secure better education. “The next generation need not be involved in sanitation work if we receive the wages promised under NULM”. he said.

Ariyamala, another worker, said many of them were forced to take up secondary jobs to manage household expenses. “I haven’t worked for three months, so no salary. Rent and loan backlogs are piling up. My husband’s earnings as an autorickshaw driver are not enough. Our children study in Corporation schools, but once they enter college, paying fees will be a major challenge. The ruling party must fulfil its 2021 promises,” she said.

Sangeetha, working under NULM, said, “On July 29, new uniforms for sanitation workers in Zones V and VI were distributed to NULM workers. Just two days later, we were asked to join a private firm. Now, we are protesting in those uniforms. We cleaned the city during the COVID-19 lockdown, and floods. Yet, we are now asked to join a new company from the basic level. This is not fair. The government must ensure Job security,” she said.

R. Mohan, a member of the UUI and LTUC, said another protest was being planned for December 2, if the State does not reverse its decision to privatise conservancy operations.

K. Bharathi of UUI said that the next phase of the protest would include a meeting with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and Chennai Mayor R. Priya, to submit a petition with demands.