THE discontent among workers and their strikes in Noida, close to the national capital, has led to serious concern regarding the increasing problems faced by the country’s working class. In a statement released on April 22, the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) expressed its concern at the increasing problems of workers of Noida, as well as the severe action of the police against them. Some journalists were also injured. The DUJ stated that about 45,000 workers had been on strike for several days, demanding an increase in the minimum wage to Rs 20,000 per month, four off days per month, overtime payment as per legal norms and overall better working conditions. All these appear to be eminently justified, particularly given the sharp rise in the cost of living in recent times.
The sharp increase in the price of cooking gas in the wake of the West Asia war (particularly the black market price that many workers have to pay) has caused perhaps the biggest upset in the fragile economy of many working-class households in more recent times. In fact, over a longer period of time, workers have been increasingly under pressure due to the rise in the cost of living. Real wages have been stagnant, or even declined, for some workers. The more recent difficulties relating to fuel and some other essentials following the West Asian war have affected the working class disproportionately, since they were already in a very tight economic situation and hence could not absorb any more shocks.
In recent times, I have often participated in group discussions with workers to know their problems, and have returned with a heavy heart, carrying strong feelings of increasing distress and stress among workers. Most of them are unable to meet basic needs with the monthly income ranging from Rs 10 to 15 thousand approximately. Their households would not be able to survive, despite the supportive schemes of the government, like a free ration of five kg of food grain per family member per month, if other family members were not also doing their best to make supporting contributions. Hence, a worker’s wife may be earning Rs 8,000 to 10,000 per month from domestic work services in two or three households, or the young son may have left his education to earn a small income. It is by pooling all these resources that worker households survive somehow, although experiencing malnutrition and health problems even then. Family responsibilities, like a daughter’s wedding, often push them into debt, as does any crisis situation like prolonged illness.
This is the more widespread situation, although of course, the situation in some industrial units or in some categories of work may be significantly better.
The situation is even more difficult for those working-class families who have to travel more to reach their employment place, as is more often the case when slums are demolished and workers get pushed towards faraway locations.
Denial of proper wages and essential facilities, including those recognised by law, is also due to the widespread prevalence of the contractor system, which has been widely criticised but remains highly widespread because it becomes easier under the contractor system for the principal employers to avoid their various legal obligations for the well-being and protection of workers.
New labour codes introduced recently have been publicised by the government as a step forward, while workers’ representatives have been expressing their apprehensions regarding several aspects, such as weakening the role of trade unions and allowing 12-hour working days. When working conditions are difficult and tiring, the impact of 12-hour working days on the health of workers is a matter of great concern, even though there may be limits on working hours for a week.
In some categories of work where reasonably good protective legislation had existed earlier, workers and their organisations are deeply concerned about any adverse implications arising from new codes and want to emphasise in particular that there should be no denial now of any gains that they had won earlier after years of struggle
While the government has been expressing its commitment to improving occupational safety, the high number of serious workplace accidents reported at regular intervals in recent times conveys a different picture of deteriorating conditions. The overall conditions of occupational health (and not just safety), including proper sanitation facilities, health check-ups and medical care, need to improve significantly.
To understand the social situation of workers comprehensively, it must be appreciated that many of them also need to have some savings to send to their families or close relatives in villages. In fact, it was to achieve this that many of them came to work in cities in the first place.
Hence, instead of taking stern actions against workers involved in protests, the government must announce a series of measures to provide immediate relief to workers as well as contribute to their longer-term well-being and protection.
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Bharat Dogra writes extensively on environment, development and welfare issues. The views expressed here are the writer’s own, and Clarion India does not necessarily subscribe to them. He can be reached at:bharatdogra1956@gmail.com
