Sanitation workers end strike in after six days

After six days of accumulated garbage and mounting public inconvenience in Ward-49, sanitation workers called off their strike and returned to work due to the timely intervention of local MLA Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar. Demonstrating solidarity with workers , Dr Nijjar visited the ward and personally swept the streets, sending a message in support of hygiene and civic responsibility.

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The strike began after a dispute arose on May 5, when Councillor Ritu Kundra’s husband, Shani Kundra, allegedly checked the attendance register of sanitary inspector Rajan and found that no attendance had been marked between April 29 and May 4. Allegations also surfaced regarding irregular reporting of duty and the hiring of a private worker during that period. The incident triggered unrest among the workers, who stopped work in protest.

Despite the matter reaching senior municipal officials, including the health officer, municipal commissioner and even the mayor, no resolution was achieved. The MLA visited the ward, engaged in discussions with both Shani Kundra and the sanitation workers, and worked towards a reconciliation.

Local worker representatives Surinder Tona and Vinod Bitta emphasised that sanitation workers are always ready to serve 24X7 if they are treated with dignity and respect. The situation now appears to be normalised and regular sanitation services have resumed in the ward.