Fri May 02 12:40:43 UTC 2025: ## Coimbatore Switches Solid Waste Management Contractors Amidst Worker Protests
**Coimbatore, India (May 2, 2025)** – The Coimbatore Corporation has replaced its solid waste management contractor, Southern Solid Waste Management Company, with Srinivas Waste Management Services Private Limited, effective May 1st. The change follows months of protests and complaints from contract workers regarding unpaid salaries, withheld employee benefits (ESI and PF), and unsafe working conditions.
Workers under the previous contractor had repeatedly accused the company of failing to pay wages for over a year, neglecting vehicle maintenance resulting in frequent breakdowns, and operating vehicles without valid fitness certificates. A protest on Friday, which included a stoppage of waste collection services and demands for a wage increase from ₹488 to ₹720 per day, further highlighted the issues.
The Coimbatore Corporation extended the contract with Southern Solid Waste Management Company beyond its August 17, 2024, expiry date due to a lack of a suitable replacement. However, the new contractor, Srinivas Waste Management Services Private Limited, has committed to addressing these concerns. The corporation stated that all waste collection vehicles are undergoing fitness certification, and grievance redressal camps will be held to address outstanding ESI and PF dues. Salary revisions are also under discussion.
The new contractor plans to improve services by adding three road-sweeping machines to the existing two and implementing nighttime waste collection for commercial areas. They have assured timely and accurate salary payments. The transition marks a significant effort by the Coimbatore Corporation to improve its solid waste management system and address the long-standing grievances of sanitation workers.
First Piper 