May Day: Show solidarity with labour class for city’s economy

TNN | May 1, 2020, 07:24 IST

May 1 is celebrated as International Workers’ Day — also known as May Day — to show solidarity with the working class globally. Incidentally, this year’s observance of the day is the marred by the economic uncertainty thrust upon the world due to Covid-19 lockdown which has impacted the labour force and the entrepreneurs alike. In Punjab, the state authorities are opening the lockdown in a partial and staggered way in the green zones to allay the fears of the business community which is baffled at the long shut-down posed by the Covid-19 curfew.
However, Ludhiana being the hub of industrial activity, the shortage of labour both skilled and unskilled is a major issue for entrepreneurs since workers particularly those belonging to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh started to leave for their native states soon after initial announcement, though every effort is being made to checkmate the reverse migration. We need to sincerely ponder over reasons in order to find befitting measures to solve the situation.
Punjabi youth’s unwilling attitude
Unfortunately, Punjab’s own youth have either mostly migrated to foreign counties or they are now not inclined much to work hard in vocations unlike the migrant workers. In fact, even before the Covid crisis, Ludhiana industry felt the heat ever since other states have started retaining their own people by giving push in economic activities in their respective states. As globally, job scenario is further weakened and youth is discouraged to immigrate overseas, we need to create more jobs locally by spurring economic activity in the state, particularly in hubs like Ludhiana. Let there be continuous dialogue with industrial associations for policy framework.
Outsider and migratory worker tag
Despite the fact that the migrant workforce has mainly been responsible for the affluence of city’s entrepreneurship class, yet they feel alienated due to ‘outsider and migratory worker’ tag. Workers who are equal partners in progress have not been given proper recognition, both in the pecuniary terms as well at societal plane adequately.
Give workers the housing facilities
There is no effort made (baring few exceptions) by either the industrialists/businesses or by the municipal corporation for providing them proper residential quarters- perhaps, it never remained a priority. The city has to seriously think and immediately work on the issue, if labor force from other States is to be retained. We may have to think of reimbursing their house rent for the time being as being done to employees in white collar jobs.
Issue them identity cards
All working class must get official identity cards which could help them prepare their ration cards and open bank accounts. All such card holders can be given rail travel concessions for travelling to and from Punjab to their native states. Till, the things are not normalised, entrepreneurs can arrange meals for them.
Help the unorganized casual daily wagers:
In normal times, a large rush of such workers is witnessed in many chowks of the city every morning, waiting for any perspective employer for the day. In order that such working strata is tapped and retained, we must be proactive in helping them come out of this crisis. Only, then they will be able to put their roots deep here.
Sooner, we make the reality check of our efforts to retain the labour force, better it is for the city and state’s economy. Challenges on the labor market front will be overcome by all the stakeholders if all are sincere in their roles. May Day celebrations must become a solidarity day of cooperation with the working class as it holds the key to bring the economy out of fears of deep depression.
The writer is a social activist