GHMC sanitation workers strike again

GHMC sanitation workers are on an indefinite strike from midnight. Their demand, of a raise in salary, was not met earlier in the year. This is the third time in this year that they have resorted to a strike. Only this time, they are determined not to return to work unless their demands are fulfilled

Angered with the non- fulfillment of their demands, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Employees Union (GHMEU) are on a strike again from midnight. Udhari Gopal, president, GHMEU declared that this would be an indefinite strike and requested all the employees, both outsourced and regular, to join him. The strike is on simultaneously in all the circles.

Speaking to Hyderabad Hans, Gopal, said, “For the last six months, we have been sending constant reminders to the government and the GHMC regarding the increment of salaries for the employees. The current salary that they are getting is Rs 6,500. After deductions, they receive only Rs 5,500 in hand. With price rise at an exponential rate, how will they sustain and run their families on such a meagre amount? We want the salary to be hiked to Rs 16,500, so that they can live comfortably.”

This is not the first time that the sanitation workers protested for a hike in wages. Earlier on October 22, a similar strike was conducted by all the 14 employee unions, within the GHMC. Unfortunately that strike was held at a time when the city was in a state of chaos due to heavy rains. City’s arterial roads were strewn around with garbage. A senior official from the GHMC remarked that it took them a minimum of three days to clear the streets.

The most imposing strike was held in March when contract and outsourced employees went on a prolonged dharna which lasted for 108 days. The dharna was called off after Maheedhar Reddy, minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD), promised to meet their demands. The demands concerning pay and insurance were put on hold in March. The employees were then informed that their demands would be met by August 31, which was later postponed to October 22. With the constant slew of delays, the employees are now livid and have resolved that this stir would be an indefinite strike and unless all their demands were met, they would not resume their regular duties.

Gopal is confident of making this strike a successful one. He said, “If we strike, the city will have to ring in the New Year amidst stench and filth, as close to 40,000 workers, across all circles, will be taking part. If people of the city fall sick or have complaints regarding garbage, it is only the GHMC and government who must be blamed.”