The eight-day strike by contract cleaning workers concluded following constructive negotiations with the Bihar state government. As soon as the end of the strike was announced, a wave of joy swept through the workers who had been protesting at the Darbhanga municipal office. The employees, who had recently been chanting slogans against the government, began to dance and celebrate to music.
The workers themselves expressed their happiness through songs and dances right on site. They shared sweets with each other. During this event, the District Congress President of Darbhanga, Dr. Jamal Hasan, arrived in Darbhanga and joined the celebration, distributing laddus.
Dr. Jamal Hasan supported the workers' demands, calling them justified, and welcomed the government's decision. Previously, the municipal service employees of Darbhanga, along with workers across Bihar, had been on an indefinite strike since July 30, putting forward three main demands. Around 1500 such workers, including men and women, were protesting by setting up temporary tents at the municipal office.
The primary demand of the strikers was permanent employment. Furthermore, they insisted on ending the practice of hiring through subcontracting systems. The workers had previously emphasized that this protest was a fight to the end, and they would not back down until their demands were fully met.
The protesters stated that they were ready to remain on strike for months if necessary. After eight days at the municipal office, negotiations took place with the government. Both sides agreed to consider almost all of the workers' demands and take further appropriate measures according to established rules.
As soon as information about the success of the negotiations with the government became available, the attitude of the protesters in Darbhanga changed drastically: instead of slogans, there was a celebration. The workers moved in sync to the music, marking the success achieved after a long protest.
Dr. Jamal Hasan noted that the government should have made this decision sooner. He stressed that although there was a delay, it is a remarkable victory for the protesting cleaning workers. In his speech, he stated that changes become possible when people raise their legitimate voice with full strength and determination.
The District Congress President fully acknowledged the validity of the cleaning workers' protest, asserting that there was nothing unjustified in their demands. According to him, this situation should have been resolved much earlier. He expressed gratitude to the workers who persistently stood their ground during the strike. The Congress leader also appealed to the government to promptly publish an official document regarding the agreed-upon demands to strengthen trust among the cleaning workers. Currently, following the negotiations, the atmosphere at the Darbhanga municipal office is filled with joy, and the employees are celebrating their victory.
