Hundreds of sanitation workers were detained again by police on Tuesday, marking the 75th day of their ongoing protest demanding job regularisation under the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and opposing the privatisation of solid waste management operations.
The workers had gathered in their respective wards to submit petitions to ward councillors, reiterating their demands for reinstatement and permanent employment. Police reportedly detained workers at seven marriage and community halls across the city during these submissions.
Speaking to the media, K. Bharathi of the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam, which is leading the protest, said, “The workers who are seeking reinstatement and regularisation of employment under GCC are being detained repeatedly. Today marks the 75th day since the workers have been denied work under the city corporation, where they have served for over a decade. The government seems to be siding with the private contractor, Ramky.” He also alleged that workers were asked to pay ₹3,000 for not filing a counter affidavit, but the workers have collectively decided not to comply.
K. Suresh, secretary of the Labour and Trade Union Council (LTUC), said that workers from 30 wards in Royapuram and Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar zones were detained while attempting to meet their councillors. “Among those detained were workers from Mayor R. Priya’s ward. However, a few councillors, including ward 49 councillor D. Elango, ward 62 councillor Jagadeesan, and ward 63 councillor Siva Raajashekaran, received the petitions,” he added.
Union representatives reported that around 400 workers were detained on Tuesday and reaffirmed that their protest would continue until their demands are met, emphasising that the call for job regularisation and opposition to privatisation remains firm.
(Source: The New Indian Express)
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