Ludhiana Sanitation Workers Strike for Job Regularisation
Ludhiana: Seeking regularisation, MC’s sanitation workers go on strike
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Sanitation workers in Ludhiana, Punjab, initiated a strike to demand the regularisation of contractual staff, halting waste collection. Approximately 3,000 workers protested, highlighting job insecurity and disparities in pay compared to regularised employees. The strike is set to end on Monday, with demands including a return to the old pension scheme.
- 01Around 3,000 sanitation workers participated in the strike, including waste collectors, drivers, and gardeners.
- 02Contractual workers earn approximately ₹10,000 ($120 USD) per month, while regularised workers earn over ₹16,000 ($192 USD).
- 03About 800 workers were denied regularisation in 2022 due to age restrictions, which they claim is unfair.
- 04The Municipal Corporation has outsourced sanitation work in 26 wards, leading to higher costs for waste collection.
- 05MC Commissioner Dr. Neeru Katyal Gupta stated that the issue has been escalated to Chandigarh for resolution.
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On Friday, sanitation workers of the Municipal Corporation (MC) in Ludhiana, Punjab, went on strike to demand the regularisation of contractual staff, effectively halting all waste collection services. Approximately 3,000 workers protested outside the MC's Zone A office, as they expressed frustration over job insecurity and low wages. Vicky Sahota, state president of the Rashtriya Safai Karamchari Mahasangh, highlighted that contractual workers earn around ₹10,000 (approximately $120 USD) per month, while regularised workers earn over ₹16,000 (about $192 USD) with periodic pay revisions. Many of these workers have been in contractual positions for years, with around 800 workers denied regularisation in 2022 due to age restrictions, which they argue is unjust. The workers also criticized the MC's decision to outsource sanitation services in 26 wards, claiming it incurs higher costs. They are demanding a return to the old pension scheme as part of their strike. The strike is expected to conclude on Monday, with the MC Commissioner stating that the matter has been escalated to Chandigarh for further action.
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The strike disrupts waste collection services in Ludhiana, affecting sanitation and public health. The demands for regularisation could lead to improved job security and wages for many workers.
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