Tank operators, conservancy workers in Erode seek job regularisation

Part-time overhead tank (OHT) operators, conservancy workers, and Thuimai Kaavalargal employed in village panchayats and affiliated with the United Trade Union Congress, submitted petitions to the district administration seeking job regularisation during the grievances redress day meeting held at the Collectorate on Monday.

While OHT operators and conservancy workers demanded a monthly salary of ₹18,000, Thuimai Kaavalargal sought a salary of ₹10,000 along with group insurance coverage. They urged that salaries be disbursed on the first of every month without disparity. They also called for salary hike and prompt payment of arrears.

The workers strongly condemned the reported threats made against them by full-time workers and panchayat clerks. They further demanded that OHT operators and conservancy workers who had served for 10 years and subsequently retired be granted a monthly pension of ₹2,000 and a retirement settlement of ₹50,000.

Additionally, the workers requested uniforms, essential equipment, and torchlights to help them carry out their duties effectively. They also noted that the State government had announced incentives for those who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic and demanded that these incentives be disbursed without further delay.

The protesters raised slogans before submitting their petitions.