Chennai, 13 August (H.S.) : For nearly two weeks, hundreds of cleanliness workers under the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) have been staging a sit-in protest outside Ripon Building, the headquarters of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). The demonstration, which began on August 1, 2025, opposes the GCC’s decision to privatize solid waste management in the Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zones. The workers, many of whom are women and sole breadwinners, fear that privatization will lead to reduced wages—from Rs 23,000 to Rs 16,000 monthly—and job insecurity, threatening their livelihoods. Despite ongoing negotiations with the GCC, no resolution has been reached, prompting widespread support from various quarters, including prominent celebrities.

The protest has gained significant attention due to the involvement of well-known figures from the entertainment industry. Playback singer and social activist Chinmayi Sripada was among the first to visit the protesters, providing water and biscuits while voicing her support. She emphasized the workers’ demand for the jobs and salaries they were promised, noting that many are women supporting their families single-handedly. Similarly, actress Sanam Shetty, known from Bigg Boss, highlighted the workers’ critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, “They risked their lives to keep the city clean. I consider it my duty to stand with them in solidarity.” Actress Ambika, associated with the AIADMK, also joined the cause, asserting that the workers’ demands are justified and not driven by greed. These celebrity endorsements have amplified the workers’ voices, drawing public and media attention to their plight.

Beyond celebrities, the protest has garnered backing from political parties, civil society groups, and rights activists. Leaders from DMK allies, including Congress, CPM, CPI, and VCK, as well as opposition parties like AIADMK and AMMK, have visited the protesters to express solidarity. Actor and TVK president Vijay invited the workers to his party headquarters in Panaiyur, further elevating the issue’s visibility. CPI state secretary R Mutharasan, who met the protesters on August 12, 2025, called their primary demand to end the contract system “neither unreasonable nor unfeasible.” The broad spectrum of support underscores the workers’ legitimate grievances and the urgency of addressing their concerns.

The core issue driving the protest is the GCC’s move to privatize waste management, which workers claim violates promises of permanent employment. Previously, NULM workers earned Rs 23,000 per month, but privatization could reduce their pay by approximately 30%, exacerbating financial strain amid rising inflation. Many workers, like those affiliated with the Chennai Corporation Red Flag Union and Left Trade Union Centre (LTUC), have expressed distress over job security, with some stating they may need to seek alternative employment to support their families. The workers’ willingness to clear piled-up garbage without pay to protect public health highlights their commitment, yet they remain firm in their demand to reverse the privatization decision.

Negotiations between the GCC and the workers have reached an impasse, with the civic body issuing an ultimatum on August 10, 2025, for protesters to vacate the site to continue talks—a condition the workers rejected. Deputy Mayor M Magesh Kumaar has assured that the government aims to maintain current salary levels, but no concrete resolution has been achieved. The protest has disrupted access to Ripon Building, with four entry points closed, affecting staff and public movement. Meanwhile, the workers’ determination remains unshaken, supported by a growing coalition of advocates calling for the government to honor its commitments and ensure fair treatment for these essential workers.

As the cleanliness workers’ protest in Chennai enters its 12th day, the influx of celebrity support has brought renewed focus to their struggle against privatization. The backing from political leaders, activists, and public figures underscores the urgency of addressing the workers’ demands for job security and fair wages. With no immediate resolution in sight, the continued solidarity from diverse groups highlights the broader societal implications of the GCC’s privatization move. The outcome of this protest could set a precedent for labor rights in Chennai, making it a critical issue to watch in the coming days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary