The sanitation workers’ protest against the privatisation of waste management services in Chennai has entered its 100th day, with police deployed in front of the Chennai Corporation’s Ripon Building office as a precautionary measure amidst growing tensions.
Protesting workers from Zones 5 and 6—covering areas like Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar—have been demanding the reversal of privatisation and reinstatement of permanent jobs under the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).
Over the past three months, despite multiple rounds of talks with ministers, the Mayor, and GCC officials, negotiations have repeatedly failed, intensifying the ongoing agitation.
The protest reached a new phase recently when workers staged a dramatic demonstration by entering the sea near Marina Beach behind the Kannagi statue, holding flags and raising slogans demanding justice. These acts of defiance have led to several detentions by the police under court orders, but the workers remain resolute.
Union leaders have announced simultaneous protests at five key locations, including the Chief Minister’s office and the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, demanding government intervention and resolution of their grievances.