Siliguri, 18th February: The meeting between protesting cleaning staff and SMC Commissioner failed to reach any conclusion. Hence the protest called by the cleaning staff is likely to continue.
It is to be noted, the Uttar Banga Safai Karmachari Samiti of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation area went on a strike since Wednesday in support of 10-point demands including a pay hike and job permanency. The protesters threw garbages on the streets near Court More, Hillcart Road, and in front of various shops and houses.
In view of the protest, a meeting was held between the Uttar Banga Safai Karmachari Samiti and SMC’s Commissioner Sonam Wangdi Bhutia today. Committee chairman Kiran Raut maintained that their main demand consists of an increase in the salary to Rs 18,000. However, they are now demanding a 20 percent wage hike.
Meanwhile, the SMC stated that the Safai workers’ salary will be increased by 10 percent from March this year. The sanitation workers said that they will continue their protest against the decision of the corporation.
Speaking in this context, Ashok Bhattacharya, Chairman of the Board of Administrators of the SMC, said that the cleaning staff have every right to present their demands, but to discontinue cleaning services, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, is highly condemnable.
Bhattacharya added that a 20 percent wage increase is not possible at the moment and their wage will be increased by 10 percent from March. He further assured that the demands of the Safai workers will also be put forward when a new board will be formed in the corporation.