On May 13, 2026, sanitation workers in Sonipat, Haryana, staged a protest by blocking bulldozers at a municipal waste site. The workers, employed by the Sonipat Municipal Corporation, are demanding higher wages and permanent job contracts.
The protest began early in the morning when workers sat in front of bulldozers, preventing waste disposal operations. Local police arrived at the scene but no arrests were reported. The workers' union stated that negotiations with municipal officials have been ongoing for months without resolution.
Sanitation workers in Sonipat have been raising concerns about low pay and lack of benefits, including health insurance and pension. Similar protests have occurred in other Indian cities, highlighting the precarious conditions of municipal workers.
Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Kumar said the corporation is reviewing the demands but cited budget constraints. The workers have threatened to continue the strike if their demands are not met within a week.
