TAMBARAM : Privatisation of garbage collection in areas under Pallavaram municipal limits has drawn flak from municipal workers, who struck work, gathered in front of the office and shouted slogans on Monday.

The municipality has awarded contracts to a private contractor for collecting segregated garbage from door-to door in 13 of its wards. R. Devarajan, district secretary, AITUC Kancheepuram District Municipal Workers Union, called the move anti-labour and said that their protest would continue if the municipality did not relent.

G. Yovan, president of Pallavaram Municipal Workers Union, said that there was no need for privatisation as no complaint had been received from the residents about garbage collection. The municipal authorities, instead of repairing vehicles and providing basic facilities to the workers, are indulging in these activities, he said.

More than 90 workers have been affected by the privatisation move as they have been shunted to other areas for no fault of theirs, another office-bearer said. However, refuting the charges, Municipal Commissioner S. Ethiraj said that the decision on privatisation had been taken by the Council a year ago and orders were issued now.

According to him, as against the required work force of 519, there are only 282 for all 42 wards. By opting for privatisation, the workers could be utilised in other areas. And even after that, shortage would be there which could be eased through recruitment on proper procedures, he said. Hence, there will be no question of victimisation of the workers, Mr. Ethiraj said.

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