Kudumbashree sanitation workers call off agitation

KOZHIKODE: Kudumbashree sanitation workers on Monday called off their indefinite strike before the city corporation office after two rounds of talks with officials including Mayor Thottathil Raveendran. Among their 11 demands, the authorities agreed to all but one - making them permanent staff, citing technical issues. “They wanted corporation to make them contingent employees, which is at present not practical because they are appointed by the government through Employment Exchange,” the mayor said. "But we have assured them to bring it to the government's notice."

The other demands included the provision health cards and regular check-ups, safety equipment, 50 percent of fuel expenses and maintenance for their vehicle used for collecting waste. They were managing the city's waste for the last 14 years, and their issues were not addressed so far, despite several strikes drawing the attention of authorities. “We trust the officials and are ending the strike, but there'll be more powerful protests if the officials fail to keep promises,” said Bindu C.P., the waste collector attached to Westhill-Chungam Residents Association.