Chennai sanitary workers continue protests over labor demands

Sanitary workers in Chennai, represented by the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam (UUI), have entered their sixth day of protest seeking various labor reforms. Following talks with School Education Minister A Rajmohan, the Tamil Nadu government agreed to consider four specific demands: maternity leave for a third child, menstrual leave for certain workers, a daily wage increase from Rs 751 to Rs 832, and the reinstatement of 13 workers. The government also agreed to consider providing union office space.

Despite these concessions, workers have continued their demonstrations, primarily because their demands for job regularization, weekly holidays, and quality housing remain unaddressed. Protesters have sought a meeting with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to present their 11-point charter. While police initially restricted protest locations due to high numbers, government representatives later assured workers they could continue their demonstration within the designated areas of the Ripon Building.