Members of the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) Labourers’ Union staged a protest in the city on Monday (October 6, 2025) demanding compensation and other benefits for three workers, including one who died after inhaling toxic fumes while carrying out sewer work.They sought relief for the family of the deceased worker. It may be recalled that 37-year-old Kuppan died on October 4 while carrying out sewer work in Kolathur. Two others, T. Sankar and S. Hariharan, were hospitalised.Sources in the CMWSSB said a compensation of ₹30 lakh was handed over to the family of the deceased on Sunday (October 5). The amount was provided by the contract firm on Sunday.The union’s office-bearers, including general secretary M. Palani, also held talks with senior Metrowater officials. G. Beem Rao, the union’s president, said: “We asked the officials to provide the compensation amount as a demand draft instead of a cheque. The authorities must also provide a government job to Kuppan’s wife.”They also sought compensation of ₹5 lakh each to Mr. Sankar and Mr. Hariharan. Legal action must be initiated against the contract firm as per the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, they said.Action against officialsAction was also sought against the CMWSSB officials in charge. The union plans to intensify its protests if the demands, including permanent jobs for contract workers, are not met. Published - October 07, 2025 04:29 pm IST