Sanitation employees' strike continues as talks remain inconclusive

HYDERABAD: Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) outsourced employees continued their strike for the fourth consecutive day as talks between representatives of various employee unions and municipal administration minister M Maheedhar Reddy remained inconclusive on Monday.
Though the unions demanded increase in wages from Rs 6,700 to Rs 16,700 per month, the minister told the union representatives that he would get back to them on Tuesday after consulting the finance department.However, the minister and officials did not assure them on the demand of wages before talking to the finance department since it would have implications across the state, especially outsourcing staff working with other municipalities and corporations.
Meanwhile, all employee unions intensified their strike by observing 'bandh' at headquarters and circle offices on Monday. There was mild tension at the GHMC head office as some union members tried to forcibly close the gates of the office. At Kukatpally, the outsourced employees boycotted their duties and took out a rally on their demands.
Police took Greater Hyderabad Municipal Employees Union president U Gopal into custody. He said the strike would continue till the government accepts their demands. Apart from increase in wages, the employees want health cards to all permanent employees, clear pending promotions and purchase of new vehicles in place of old vehicles.
With the health and sanitation wing staff on strike, sweeping and lifting garbage came to a standstill in the city. Though the corporation made some alternative arrangements, it was confined only to main roads.