Chennai sanitation workers suspend protest over wage and employment demands

Sanitation workers in Chennai have temporarily suspended a protest that had lasted over two weeks regarding their livelihood rights. Lawyer Durai Arun, speaking to Nakkeeran TV, criticized the ruling government's handling of the situation.

Arun argued that the government is attempting to exploit the social background of the workers for political gain rather than addressing their core grievances. He noted that while political figures have used revolutionary slogans like ‘Jai Bhim’ at the protest sites, these gestures do not resolve the underlying issues.

The workers are demanding an increase in their daily wages from 762 rupees to 832 rupees and seeking permanent employment status. Under existing labor laws, contract workers who have completed 240 or 480 days of service are eligible for regularization, a demand the workers maintain has not been met.