MCD sanitation workers decide to postpone strike decision due to dengue

NEW DELHI: Keeping in view the dengue crisis in the capital, MCD sanitation workers today decided to postpone their decision to go on a strike to press for the fulfillment of their long pending demands, including regularisation of ad-hoc workers and payment of arrears.

The sanitation workers met at Valmiki temple in central Delhi's Panchkuian Road and decided to contribute to the MCD's special sanitation drive till October 11, said Akhil Bhartiya Safai Mazdoor Sangh's state president Santlal Chawaria.

"We have decided to postpone our final decision on strike as people in Delhi is witnessing a dengue crisis. It was decided that sanitation workers will work till October 11 and afterwards a decision regarding strike will be taken," Chawaria said.

Earlier, the sanitation workers had staged a protest outside the residence of Lt Governor Najeeb Jung on September 30 in support of their demands.

Regularisation of posts, payment of arrears, cashless medical card and fresh recruitment are among the eight demands being made by the sanitation workers.

Chawaria claimed that the MCD officials had extended assurances but made no "serious" effort to fulfill them.

"At present, we have decided not to go on strike. But if our demands remain unfulfilled even after October 11, we will go on strike before Diwali," he added.