Sanitation workers employed by municipal bodies across Haryana have extended their ongoing strike by another four days, intensifying their protest over several long-pending demands.
The workers will now remain on strike till August 15. The ongoing protest has already affected cleanliness services in several cities, where garbage has reportedly started piling up on roads and in residential areas, causing inconvenience to local residents.
The sanitation workers had started their strike on August 6 and were demanding action from the state government on issues related to regularisation, wages, contractual employment and other service benefits.
Garbage Piles Up Across Haryana
With sanitation workers staying away from their duties, garbage collection and cleaning operations have been affected in several parts of the state.
Residents in various cities are facing difficulties as waste continues to accumulate at several locations. The prolonged strike could further worsen the sanitation situation if a resolution is not reached soon.
The workers have decided to continue their protest until August 15 while pressing the government to address their demands.
What Are the Main Demands of Sanitation Workers?
The protesting employees have raised several demands related to job security, wages and working conditions.
Regularisation of Workers
One of the key demands is the regularisation of temporary, contractual and daily wage workers.
The employees want workers who have been serving for years under temporary arrangements to be made permanent.
End to Contract System
The workers are also demanding an end to the contract system in sanitation and sewerage-related services.
They want these jobs to be brought under a more secure employment structure instead of relying on contractors.
Minimum Wage and Other Benefits
The sanitation employees are seeking minimum wages along with essential employment benefits such as ESI and EPF.
They have also demanded risk allowances and uniform allowances in view of the nature of their work.
Written Order on May 13 Agreement
Another major demand is the issuance of a written government order regarding the agreement reached on May 13.
Workers want the commitments made under the agreement to be formally implemented through official orders.
Firefighters’ Demands Also Included
The protest also includes certain demands related to fire department employees.
These include assistance to families in cases of death, employment-related support and other specific issues concerning firefighters.
The workers have also raised demands related to assistance in specific cases, including the Faridabad fire incident.
Strike Continues Till August 15
The sanitation workers’ decision to extend the strike has put additional pressure on municipal authorities across Haryana.
As garbage continues to accumulate in several areas, residents are facing increasing inconvenience.
The workers are expected to continue their protest till August 15 unless their demands are addressed or an agreement is reached with the government.