Garbage collection across Bengaluru is set to be disrupted from Wednesday as thousands of cleaners and drivers with Bangalore Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) threaten an indefinite strike, demanding job regularization.

Karmika Samrakshane organization president Thyagaraj stated that Deputy CM and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar had assured action four months ago, but no steps have been taken. Around 10,000 workers remain on contract without direct BBMP employment.

“We risk our lives to keep the city clean, yet the government neglects us. We are still under contractors instead of receiving direct payments from BBMP,” Thyagaraj said.

Workers have repeatedly appealed to Shivakumar, urging at least direct payment, but their demands remain unmet.

On Wednesday, protestors will march from BBMP head office to Freedom Park, launching an indefinite demonstration. They hope the upcoming BBMP budget on Thursday will address their concerns.