The strike will not be called off unless demands are met. Medinipur Municipality's sanitation workers remain firm in their decision for five consecutive days. Meanwhile, piles of garbage are growing across the city. Residents have become distressed by the stench. Garbage is overflowing from bins in markets and neighbourhoods.
Although a meeting was held with the striking workers at the municipality on Monday, no solution was found, it has been learned. Therefore, residents believe there is no hope of relief from the garbage stench for now.
ALSO READ | Nirala hot spring centre still locked despite modernisation, tourists question delay
It has been learned that Medinipur Municipality's sanitation workers have been on strike for five consecutive days with a set of demands including salary increase, regular salary payment, and job security. As a result, the city's municipal services have virtually collapsed, residents allege. Piles of garbage in the bins are gradually increasing. Everyone, from shopkeepers to customers in the markets, has become distressed by the stench. Aniruddha De, a resident of the Gobindpur area, said, "For five days, we cannot even open the windows of our house due to the smell of garbage. Walking on the road is difficult. The municipality should solve the problem quickly."
Malati Pal, a resident of College Para, said, "We cannot blame the sanitation workers. If they don't receive a salary for three months, then they have to protest. The administration should first understand its problems."
Tapan Mukhopadhyay, secretary of Medinipur Municipality's Sangrami Shramik Union, said, "Although many issues were discussed in Monday's meeting, the municipal authorities did not agree to accept our main demands. They could not provide a specific date for paying the outstanding salaries either. We have clearly stated that at least 15 councillors must be present to pass a written resolution."
He informed that the strike will continue on Tuesday as well. According to sources, Medinipur Municipality has a total of 1,186 temporary workers. They work on daily wages in various projects, including cleaning, pump operation, door-to-door waste collection, and mosquito spray.
The allegation is that not receiving wages for nearly three months has made it difficult for them to run their families. One sanitation worker said, "We keep the city clean. But our salaries are not paid on time. How will the family survive?" On the other hand, Mayor Soumen Khan said, "There has been some delay in salary processing due to holidays during Pujo. I hope the problem will be resolved by Tuesday."
