Chennai Sanitary Workers Continue Protest at Ripon Building for Sixth Day

Nearly 500 sanitary workers continued their protest at the Ripon Building premises in Chennai for the sixth consecutive day on Tuesday, seeking an opportunity to meet Chief Minister Vijay and present their charter of demands.

The stir continued despite a round of talks held on Monday between Minister Rajmohan and representatives of the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam. Following those discussions, union leaders stated that their core issue of employment permanency remained unresolved.

Speaking about Monday's negotiations, K Suresh, state secretary of the LTUC, noted that the minister had acknowledged that most of their demands were fair, except for the demand regarding job regularisation. The union informed the minister that workers would continue their peaceful demonstration at the designated location inside the Ripon Building until they met the Chief Minister and saw tangible action taken on their demands, a condition the minister had initially accepted.

However, on Tuesday, police personnel prevented the workers from assembling at the designated spot on the premises, citing the large turnout of nearly 500 participants. A senior police officer addressed the situation, stating that law enforcement officials did not ask the protesters to vacate the premises or call off the demonstration entirely. The officer explained that the workers were informed they could continue their stir inside the Ripon Building if the Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner accepted their request.

The standoff eased late on Tuesday night after Loyola Mani met with the demonstrating workers on behalf of Minister Rajmohan. Mani assured the group that the government would ensure they are allowed to continue their agitation in the designated area inside the Ripon Building premises, while also promising that arrangements would be made for a formal meeting with the Chief Minister.

Following the assurances delivered by the minister's representative, the sanitary workers agreed to disperse from the site at approximately 10:15 pm on Tuesday night. Official sources confirmed that no protesters were detained during the demonstration.