NULM conservation workers temporarily call off protests

CTR Ministers Nirmal Kumar, N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna and Rajmohan met protesting conservationists in Chennai on Friday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Sanitation workers of the Greater Chennai Corporation temporarily called off their protest after discussions with the state government.

The next round of negotiations is scheduled for October 3.

On the instructions of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, CTR Ministers Nirmal Kumar, N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna and Rajmohan held discussions with GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran and sanitation workers who have been protesting for more than 15 days. “In the past, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has stood for the rights of sanitation workers. I would like to state that amicable solutions will be reached through negotiations as soon as possible,” Mr. Aadhav Arjuna said in a post on X.

According to the organizer of Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam, the agreed demands include a food allowance of ₹50 per day for all conservation workers from October 1 and construction of women’s toilets and toilets by September 30. Criminal cases filed during the previous government against those who supported sanitation workers’ protests will be withdrawn.

About 160 battery-powered vehicles will be available at Tondiarpet in Thiru. You. Ka. Nagar and Anna Nagar zones. Families of sanitation workers who died while on duty will be given jobs and compensation. The raincoats will be provided annually instead of every two years, with workers receiving two masks a day and additional safety equipment including gloves.

An office of the Sanitary Health Workers Welfare Committee will be set up in the GCC office premises and will be supervised by an officer. Steps will be taken to ensure that all workers register on this board.

Officials will consult with workers every two months, while the GCC commissioner will meet with unions every four months. Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam will get space for union office.

Demands for permanent employment, weekly leave, maternity and menstrual leave and a daily wage of ₹832 fixed by the Collector will be discussed on October 3, the organization said. A meeting between the chief minister and union-affiliated sanitation workers is also expected to take place soon. The agreement covers several demands raised during the 14-day protest, he added.

Published – 04 Sep 2026 21:28 IST