Motor loaders cancel strike after meeting

Following a nearly two-month-long dispute with the BMC over the proposed privatisation of waste collection and transportation in the city, thousands of motor loaders—those who tip garbage into compactors—on Tuesday called off their impending strike after getting assurances that no jobs will be lost, according to union leaders.

- Sabah Virani

The BMC will now proceed with its proposal to hire private contractors, with 24 companies showing interest, officials aware of the developments said. The move will purportedly save the civic body ₹160 crore every year.

Motor loader unions had a meeting with the BMC on Tuesday, following several protests over the last couple of months and threats of a strike. As the civic body is proposing to outsource the waste disposal and transportation work, the 6,000 permanent and 1,500 contractual motor loaders feared they would lose their jobs.