ULB sanitation workers end strike peacefully after Govt assurances

Srinagar, July 26: The strike launched by sanitation workers of the Urban Local Bodies (ULB), Jammu, has ended peacefully following a series of constructive meetings with senior government officials in Srinagar.A statement issued here said that nearly 300 daily wagers and casual labourers had embarked on a five-day foot march from Jammu to Srinagar, seeking redressal of long-pending demands including regularisation of services, settlement of wages, provident fund discrepancies, and compensation for on-duty injuries. Upon reaching Srinagar, the protesting workers were granted an audience with the  Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, followed by a detailed meeting with Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department. During the interaction, Ms Kaur acknowledged the legitimacy of the workers’ concerns and appealed to them to call off their strike. She assured them of the government’s commitment to addressing key issues, including–regularisation of services, reconciliation of provident fund (PF) contributions, rimely payment of wages, support for injured workers, with financial assistance to be sought from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund or other appropriate sources. She also informed the delegation that the reorganisation proposal for the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, covering both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, is under active consideration and would benefit the workers upon finalisation. The sanitation workers welcomed the government’s outreach but called for time-bound implementation and close monitoring of the assurances made. They also urged the Chief Minister to personally oversee progress on the matter to ensure meaningful follow-up. Following the meetings, the union representing the workers formally announced a suspension of the strike, marking a peaceful conclusion to their padyatra. However, they reaffirmed their resolve to continue their democratic struggle until all demands are met in full.