Pune: Sanitation Workers in Wagholi Go on Strike Over Unpaid Diwali Advance; Garbage Collection Affected

Wagholi, 20th October 2025: Garbage collection in Wagholi came to a standstill on Monday morning after 137 sanitation contract workers launched a sudden work stoppage protest. The workers accused the contractor of failing to pay the promised Diwali advance of ₹10,000 each and have refused to resume duties until the amount is credited.

According to officials, the Pune Municipal Commissioner had directed the contractor to pay ₹10,000 in advance to each sanitation worker for Diwali, with a clause allowing recovery of ₹2,000 per month from their salaries over the next five months. However, when the workers did not receive the payment by Monday morning, they gathered outside the Municipal Corporation’s office in Wagholi and stopped work.

Despite repeated attempts by municipal officers and the contractor’s supervisor to persuade them, the workers stood firm on their demand, saying, “We want the money today. What is the use of getting it after Diwali?” They alleged that their four months’ provident fund (PF) contributions have not been deposited, and they are often denied leave or mistreated when they ask for it.

Contractor’s supervisor Amar Karpekar said, “Our contract ended two months ago, and no new contractor has been appointed yet. We are still managing the work temporarily. We told the workers they will get the money, but they want it immediately. Company officials and municipal authorities will discuss the matter and take a decision soon.”

When contacted, Nagar Road Ward Officer Kailash Kendre said, “The contractor has agreed to pay ₹5,000 to each worker as a partial advance. The process is underway, and the workers have agreed to resume duties once the payment is made.”