Hooghly, 12 May (H.S.): Temporary drivers and sanitation workers of Rishra Municipality in West Bengal’s Hooghly district went on strike from Tuesday, demanding minimum wages and several other employment benefits. The protest is likely to affect sanitation services in the municipality area.

The agitating workers demanded implementation of minimum wages, ESI and PF benefits, and additional allowances for working on holidays. They also sought appointment letters, an end to the contractor system, proper uniforms, and timely payment of dues.

The workers alleged that payments are often delayed and that they are threatened whenever they raise their voices against irregularities. They demanded that salaries and dues be cleared between the 1st and 5th of every month.

The protesters said the agitation would continue until their demands are fulfilled.

The strike received support from Manoj Singh, councillor of Ward No. 10 of Rishra Municipality and a BJP leader. Singh visited the protest site on Tuesday morning after learning about the agitation and listened to the grievances of the workers.

Speaking to reporters, Manoj Singh said the demands of the sanitation workers were genuine and the municipal authorities should address them immediately. He alleged that contractors and municipal officials had acted arbitrarily in the past, but such “high-handedness” would no longer continue after the change in government in the state.

No official response from the municipal authorities had been issued till the filing of this report.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey