In Nadiad, Gujarat, a significant protest has erupted among sanitation workers. The Nadiad Municipal Corporation decided to outsource the jobs of 180 sanitation workers, who have been employed on a contract basis since 2014. The workers are unhappy as they had been demanding permanent positions for a long time. In 2022, a resolution was passed to make these workers permanent, but the process has been delayed due to pending paperwork.
The outsourcing decision has led to strong reactions from the workers, who have stopped working for two days, resulting in visible dirt and waste accumulating in the city. The workers are now preparing to take legal action against the corporation for their rights.
The All India Sanitation Workers Union from Kheda District submitted a written complaint to the Municipal Commissioner. They emphasized that the workers were hired under a resolution in October 2024, which recognized their service as sanitation workers. They argue that instead of making them permanent, the corporation is outsourcing their jobs, which is unfair and against the law.
The workers have stated that they have been doing their jobs diligently and have completed the required 240 days of service as stipulated by labor laws. They pointed out that the Supreme Court of India has ruled in favor of making such workers permanent, based on the consistent nature of their jobs.
In their complaint, the workers demanded that the outsourcing should be stopped immediately. They insisted that the corporation should follow the legal norms and offer them permanent positions with the benefits they are entitled to. The workers claim that they are being denied their rightful benefits and that the outsourcing is an attempt to sidestep legal responsibilities.
The situation has drawn attention to the rights of sanitation workers in India, who often work under difficult conditions and without job security. The protest has highlighted the need for better regulations and protections for workers in the sanitation sector.
As the protests continue, the sanitation workers remain firm in their demands for justice. They are calling for the local government to reconsider their decision and to recognize the hard work and dedication of sanitation workers in Nadiad. The outcome of this protest could have implications for similar workers across the state and the country, as it raises important questions about employment practices and workers’ rights in India.
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