Sat Mar 08 07:50:11 UTC 2025: ## Sanitation Workers Demand Better Conditions in Chennai

**Chennai, March 8, 2025** – A consultation meeting chaired by the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) Chairman M. Venkatesan highlighted critical issues facing sanitation workers in Chennai. The meeting, held Friday at Ripon Buildings, brought together trade union representatives and sanitation workers employed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and contract agencies.

Key concerns raised included the lack of adequate sanitary facilities, safety gear (gloves, footwear, masks), and drinking water for workers. Representatives also reported instances of sexual harassment against women in the workplace and the non-payment of menstrual leave. One union member, Jothi from Uzhaipor Urimai Iyakkam, specifically noted the absence of proper bathroom facilities and the lack of paid menstrual leave.

Mohan, also from the Iyakkam, presented a petition regarding National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) workers who remain un-permanently employed by the GCC despite working during the COVID-19 pandemic for low wages.

Following the meeting, Chairman Venkatesan instructed relevant authorities to provide necessary safety gear and ensure accurate and timely wage disbursement. GCC officials, including Additional Commissioner (Public Health) V. Jayachandra Bhanu Reddy and regional deputy commissioners, attended the meeting and committed to addressing these concerns.

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