Conservancy workers staging a demonstration near the Chennai Collectorate on Wednesday demanding job regularisation and fair wages.
| Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM
Conservancy workers employed under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) reiterated their demand for job regularisation to the newly-elected TVK government on Tuesday, ahead of a demonstration near the Chennai District Collectorate.“We met the new Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner, G.S. Sameeran, and Minister Aadhav Arjuna today, and they assured us that our demands would be considered. If they are not addressed in the near future, another round of protests will be held in June and July,” said K. Bharathi of the Left Trade Union Centre (LTUC) and Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam.Mr. Bharathi said that if the government can act swiftly on issues such as the closure of Tasmac outlets and in appointing officials and Ministers, it could also issue orders to improve toilet facilities, changing rooms, uniforms, gloves, and masks for conservancy workers.He added that machinery should be upgraded as women workers were often unable to lift heavy garbage bins, and sought festival holidays for workers.He added that the State government must provide revised daily wages, full mechanisation of waste and sewage clearance operations, and changes in summer shift timings to avoid hazardous outdoor work between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.“The previous government did not fulfil its promises. We never asked for free food, yet tiffin box meals with poor quality were introduced for workers. Instead, the State should consider our actual demands. Also, we are not opposed to the implementation of a biometric attendance system, he told The Hindu.Kuttyamma, a conservancy worker, said: “Former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin did not fulfil the promise he made in 2021. Now, the current Chief Minister must honour his word. Otherwise, we will once again stage the 13-day protest in front of Ripon Buildings [similar to the protest held in August 2025].”Mr. Bharathi also urged the State to ensure that no coercive action was taken against protesters during such demonstrations. Explaining the delay in commencing the protest, he said the demonstration had originally been scheduled between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., but began around 90 minutes late as organisers waited for conservancy workers to arrive after completing their shifts. Published - May 21, 2026 12:02 am IST
