Coimbatore Sanitation Workers’ indefinite strike continues for second day

The indefinite strike launched by the Coimbatore Corporation All Trade Unions Federation, demanding the fulfilment of various long-pending demands of sanitation workers and other employees, continued for the second consecutive day on Tuesday.
More than 100 contract sanitation workers staged a peaceful sit-in protest in front of the Coimbatore Corporation office. The workers also placed a pumpkin as a symbolic form of protest, alleging that an announcement made by the District Collector was being concealed.
The protesting workers include daily-wage and contract sanitation workers, DBC workers, malaria prevention staff, sewage cleaners, drinking water distribution workers, drivers and cleaners who have been working for several years.
Their major demand is permanent employment for all long-serving workers. They have also urged the Corporation to implement the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s election promise of making contract workers permanent.
The workers further demanded a minimum daily wage of Rs 798 in accordance with the 2017 government order.
They also sought the withdrawal of the Corporation Council resolution to hand over DBC workers to a private voluntary organisation.
The protesters urged the Corporation administration to invite trade union representatives for negotiations and find an amicable solution to their demands. They said the indefinite strike would continue until their demands were addressed.
Due to the strike, sanitation workers affiliated with the federation stayed away from work. Only employees who are not members of the federation continued sanitation activities.
As a result, the number of workers engaged in cleaning operations has been considerably reduced, affecting garbage clearance and other sanitation activities across several parts of the city.