Naam Tamilar Katchi leader S.Seeman and DMDK leader Premallatha Vijayakanth on Monday visited Ripon Buildings to offer support to the protesters who have been opposing the resolution of the Corporation Council to outsource sanitation work. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay has also announced support for the workers’ protest against the government’s decision to outsource sanitation work.
Speaking to media persons, Mr.Seeman said many of the workers were widows who had lost their source of livelihood because of the policies of the government. “Why do we need an elected Council if the government wants private entities to resolve civic issues? The protesters have worked for 17 years to clean the city and resolve civic issues of residents. The decision to outsource seems to force them towards a situation similar to becoming bonded labourers of a private entity,” he said.
“The workers voted for the party in power. Has the government abandoned the workers because there is no support for the workers now?,” he asked.
DMDK leader Premallatha Vijayakanth said the workers were protesting to protect their rights and livelihood. “The city was clean because of the workers. We will support them. The government should ensure that the workers get permanent jobs,” she said.
A solution to the conservancy workers’ job regularisation issue can be reached if Chief Minister M.K. Stalin held discussions, said K. Bharathi of the Left Trade Union Centre (LTUC). “As the Opposition leader, he had written to the then State government seeking to make the workers’ jobs permanent. The DMK also promised permanent jobs and benefits in its election manifesto. The ongoing protest is aimed at demanding the fulfilment of these promises. Hence, the Chief Minister must address this issue,” he said.
As per the DMK’s 2021 manifesto, promise no. 285 reads: Steps will be taken to fulfil the promises regarding employment, salary, pension and other benefits made to sanitation workers employed in Panchayat Union, Town/Municipality, and Corporation.
Also, promise no.153 states: Ad hoc and contract workers working in public sector entities and government agencies for more than 10 years will be considered for permanent employment. Further, after meeting Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam president Vijay, Mr.Bharathi told The Hindu: “Mr. Vijay asked us about our demands and assured that the party would extend full support to the protest. The party cadre have already been assisting protesters by supplying food and water, as have AIADMK cadre.”
Some protesters claimed that Mr. Vijay had requested the meeting to be held in his office. Mr. Bharathi denied this, stating that the actor-turned-politician had proposed to meet the protesters on the pavement in front of Ripon Buildings. “But we [worker unions’ leaders] declined this [proposal] and suggested seeing him at his office instead, as his presence at the protest site could draw large crowds, causing traffic congestion and law and order problems,” he added.
Published – August 11, 2025 10:19 pm IST
