The Madras High Court on Wednesday declined to interfere with the Greater Chennai Corporation’s (GCC) resolution to outsource sanitary work in two city zones to a private company.
Justice K. Surender, disposing of a petition filed by Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam, observed that outsourcing conservancy operations was a policy decision of the government and would not amount to “retrenchment” of sanitary workers.
The court clarified that the GCC’s decision would not prejudice the rights of sanitary workers or ongoing proceedings before the industrial tribunal. Importantly, it noted that the services of existing workers had not been terminated and that the agreement with the private company contained no clause for termination.
Justice Surender directed the state to negotiate with the private company to ensure that sanitary workers opting to join the outsourced operations are paid their last drawn wages. He further ordered that the welcome bonus of ₹3,000, which the private firm had undertaken to provide, must be paid to workers joining the company until September 10, 2025.
While upholding the corporation’s resolution, the High Court emphasized that sanitary workers were free to protest for their rights in accordance with law, including in cases where they choose to join the private firm.
