Sanitation workers in Amritsar staged a protest on Wednesday, demanding an increase in wages and improvement in their working conditions. The protest, which took place near the municipal corporation office, saw a large gathering of workers from various parts of the city. They carried placards and raised slogans against the authorities, accusing them of neglecting their demands for a long time.
Key Demands of the Protesters
The workers are demanding a revision of their salary structure, which they claim has not been updated for years. They also seek better safety equipment and health benefits, citing the hazardous nature of their work. Additionally, they are asking for regularisation of temporary workers and provision of adequate sanitation facilities at their workplaces.
Impact on City Services
The protest has led to a disruption in waste collection services across several wards in Amritsar. Garbage has been piling up on the streets, causing inconvenience to residents. The municipal corporation has assured that efforts are being made to resolve the issue and restore normalcy at the earliest.
Speaking to reporters, a leader of the sanitation workers' union said, "We have been waiting for our demands to be met for months. The authorities have not taken our concerns seriously. We are forced to protest to get our rights." He further added that the protest would continue until their demands are fulfilled.
Meanwhile, the municipal commissioner has formed a committee to look into the workers' grievances and submit a report within a week. The committee will hold talks with the union leaders to find a mutually acceptable solution.
