“Throw the anti-worker labour codes into the Arabian Sea!”

These lines are from a slogan that resonated deeply during nationwide protests against anti-worker labour policies. The ordinary contractual workers of the Haryana Municipality and Fire Department have now proven this phrase true. The catalyst for this massive agitation traces back to February 16, 2026. A devastating fire broke out at the Kalka Steel Company in Faridabad,. While battling the raging blaze, two firefighters, Bhavichand Sharma and Ranbir Singh, tragically lost their lives. Both were temporary contractual employees. The state government, which oversees the fire services, had failed to provide even basic safety equipment to its temporary workforce.

Haryana is governed by the same political party that rules at the Center -- or as they like to call it, has a “double-engine government.” Despite two precious lives being cut short by state negligence, the contractual workers stood united to demand justice for the grieving families dependent on them. Demanding immediate financial compensation, compassionate appointment (government jobs) for the dependents, and the resolution of 20 other long-pending grievances, the contractual firefighters launched a strike on April 14, 2026. Instead of resolving the issue, the authorities chose to deploy police force to suppress the agitation. Consequently, by the end of April, the workers escalated their protest into an indefinite strike.

Termination and Exploitative Contractualisation.

Meanwhile, the government abruptly terminated the services of nearly 5,000 temporary sanitation workers across several cities in Haryana, including Gurugram. Enduring years of systematic exploitation and institutional neglect, these civic workers mobilised against the injustice. On May 1, 2026, sanitation workers across most cities in Haryana joined hands with the striking fire department personnel, launching a joint indefinite strike. This effectively brought urban sanitation, garbage disposal, and drainage cleaning to a complete standstill.

Around 30,000 contractual workers responsible for keeping the cities clean united to fight back against institutional exploitation. The state government responded with an iron fist to break the strike. It deployed police forces, threatened protesting comrades, and terminated an additional 3,500 contractual employees. Private agencies were brought in under police protection to clear the mounting piles of garbage. The administration acted under the arrogant assumption that they were fully backed by the stringent provisions of the new Labor Codes, notified on November 21, 2025. However, the striking workers resisted the government’s iron fist with unwavering revolutionary fervour.

The Sarva Karmachari Sangh (SKS), the apex body of government employees in Haryana, stepped forward to officially endorse the strike. The entry of SKS, an organisation affiliated with the All India State Government Employees Federation (ASGIEF), pushed the state administration into a severe crisis. The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) extended its full and absolute support to the agitation. As overflowing garbage dumps made urban public life unbearable, mounting pressure from opposition parties further isolated the government. Finally, on May 14, 2026, the administration was forced to invite union leaders to the negotiating table. Following marathon discussions, the “double-engine” government finally bowed before the absolute resolve and militant unity of the working class.

The Settlement Terms and Workers’ Victory (Key Achievements)

The core agreements reached between the workers and the government include:

1. Assistance to Dependents: The families of the two deceased firefighters will receive ₹50 lakh compensation each, along with a guaranteed government job.

2. Regularisation of Services: Over 13,000 temporary municipal and fire department staff up to the age of 55 will be regularised. Furthermore, new permanent positions will be formally created.

3. Reinstatement: Every single worker terminated during the course of the strike will be reinstated with immediate effect. All punitive, disciplinary, and harassing legal actions initiated against them will be unconditionally withdrawn.

4. Wage Revision and Essential Benefits: A formal pay scale of ₹25,500 will be implemented for fire payroll employees. Door-to-door sanitation workers will be guaranteed a minimum wage of ₹15,220, complete with full Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Employee State Insurance (ESI) benefits. Additionally, a monthly risk allowance of ₹5,000 will be granted to sewerage workers and firemen. Medical leave entitlements will be doubled, and thousands of new regular posts will be created to secure a stable future for those who keep our cities running.

The unions have made it clear that the state Cabinet must meet before June 30, 2026, to officially ratify these commitments. Failing this, workers will resume an all-out, intensive strike starting July 1. Following this historic written agreement, the unions have temporarily suspended their agitation.

Organised Class Struggle: The Only Way Forward.

The historic and resounding victory achieved by the Haryana municipal employees and fire department workers under the leadership of the Sarva Karmachari Sangh (SKS) sends an inspiring message to the entire working class of the nation. This triumph is a direct outcome of the revolutionary leadership and strategic determination of SKS. Their pivotal role in organising and sustaining this struggle forced a highly reluctant administration to its knees. This victory stands as a beacon of hope for the Indian proletariat, proving that when the collective power of labour fights back, the ruling class has no choice but to capitulate.

The workers of Haryana achieved this historic milestone by effectively throwing the anti-worker clauses of the new Labour Codes into the Arabian Sea, codes that were notified on November 21, 2025, on the heels of an unexpected majority in Bihar, and supplemented by rules issued on May 8, 2026, amid celebrations over victories in West Bengal and the setback of the Left government in Kerala.

It is highly significant that when unorganised workers faced this crisis, CITU was right there to stand by them. Previously, it was CITU that raised its voice for the unorganised industrial workers in and around Noida. To stand in solidarity with them, Comrade M A Baby, and Rajya Sabha MP Comrade John Brittas personally visited the ground, demonstrating what it truly means to be on the side of the working class. Similarly, one cannot forget the sit-in protest led by CITU General Secretary Comrade Elamaram Kareem right inside the District Collector’s office in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, fighting for the victimised workers of V-Guard.

The workers of Haryana have proven to the ruling class that any black law can be rendered toothless through the language of organised class struggle. A big, big Red Salute to the workers who fought with revolutionary unity and iron resolve!