Conservancy workers end protest after 165 days, to get back their jobs under National Urban Livelihoods Mission

After 165 days of protest, conservancy workers ended their strike on Monday, following talks with Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) Chairman and HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, who assured them that the State would reinstate their jobs under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) by the end of this month, according to Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam (UUI).

Mr. Sekarbabu held talks with the workers, along with Chennai Mayor R. Priya, and said the State would reinstate the workers’ jobs under the NULM with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) soon. The workers of Royapuram and Thiru. Vi. Ka Nagar zones have been protesting against the outsourcing of conservancy operations by the GCC and demanded the reinstatement of their jobs under the NULM scheme.

“Job permanency will not be addressed administratively at present, and the government has asked [UUI] to pursue the matter legally,” said K. Bharathi of the Iyakkam. Nearly 1,400 workers will be reinstated, he said, adding that six workers would be reinstated at a later date since they were in poor health.

“The government also said the revised salary [of ₹753 a day] will be given to the workers rejoining under the NULM. The first phase of the protest has been successful. Once permanency is also assured, it will be a complete victory,” Mr. Bharathi added.

The organisation has been protesting against outsourcing of conservancy work since 2024. In July and August 2025, the workers held a massive protest in front of Ripon Buildings, and were removed by the police late on August 13, 2025. Following this, the workers headed by the organisation held demonstrations at May Day Park, the Chennai Collectorate, and near the Secretariat.

‘Uncertainties persist’

S. Lakshmi, 38, ended her 19-day hunger strike after Mr. Sekarbabu assured her of a job under the NULM. However, she said there would be no happy Pongal, as anxiety over re-employment would persist until she received the appointment order and one month’s salary.

“After that, maybe in February, we will have our ‘Happy Pongal’,” she said. She said uncertainties remained over the zone of posting, transportation, and the nature of work.

She said her husband had abandoned her and their two children several years ago and that she was the sole earning member of the family. She said she had been managing monthly household expenses of ₹24,000, including house rent, loans of about ₹1.2 lakh, and her daughter’s school fees .