Condemning the Erode Corporation’s move to implement solid waste management activities through an agency or a contractor, three trade unions have decided to begin indefinite strike from June 15 and served notice to the Corporation Commissioner here.
The Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department issued a Government Order No. 116, dated August 24, 2022, that said that workers for waste collection and segregation, cleaning and fogging should be filled through outsourcing. The order said that workers, who are currently in service, can continue till their retirement while vacancies should be filled only through outsourcing. The order caused panic among the workers in the Corporation who are working on contract basis for the last 10 years.
As per the proceedings of the Director of Municipal Administration dated February 17, 2023, permission was given to the Erode Corporation for engaging service provider or agency or contractor for implementation of solid waste management activities based on the waste generated per day. About 257 tonnes per day was generated in all the 60 wards and a sum of ₹3,905.52 was fixed per day while the total estimated cost for a year was fixed at ₹43.60 crore. The civic body recently floated e-tender for selecting the contractor for a period of three years for carrying out solid waste management activities. Tenders can be submitted online till June 26 and will be opened on June 27.
