Chennai sanitation workers protest for job permanency

More than 250 cleanliness workers, organized by the Uzhaipor Urimai Iyakkam (UUI), have entered the eighth day of protests at the Ripon Building in Chennai. The demonstrators are demanding job permanency, better working conditions, and specific benefits including paid maternity leave, weekly off-days, food allowances, and menstrual leave.

The protest follows a period of labor unrest regarding the outsourcing of garbage collection. While approximately 1,400 workers were reinstated in February following assurances to the Madras High Court, a small group of workers remained out of service. The Greater Chennai Corporation has reportedly assured workers that the remaining 13 individuals will be reinstated.

Protesters are seeking a meeting with Chief Minister Vijay to address their long-standing demands, including the regularization of jobs and a daily wage revision to 832 rupees. School Education Minister A Rajmohan has held talks with representatives, acknowledging several demands as reasonable, and has promised arrangements for a meeting with the Chief Minister.