Kharge blames poor labour-law enforcement for Maruti conflict

Calls for better dialogue between workers, employers to prevent and resolve conflicts

Union Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge has blamed poor enforcement of labour laws for the incidents at Maruti Suzuki and called for better dialogue between workers and employers to prevent and resolve conflicts.

Addressing  a conference of State Labour Ministers here yesterday, he said: Enforcement of the Labour Laws has to be followed strictly. Failure in this area has led to the recent flaring of incidents like Maruti Suzuki in Haryana, Regency Ceramics, Yanam, Puducherry and Neyveli Lignite Limited, Tamil Nadu. Respect for industrial democracy and aiming towards high industrial growth has to go hand in hand.

He also emphasised the need for social dialogue. "Our trade union movements has a proud legacy and entrepreneurs of our country are respected world over. The need is to ensure healthy social dialogue so that all the creative energy is channelized for the progress of our nation. Employer should not turn a blind eye towards the labour statutes. At the same time the workers should refrain from taking law into their own hands. Our employers and workers should conduct themselves in such a way that they earn the respect of the whole world," he said.

The minister said that he has been regularly communicating with the State Governments. In various ways to stress upon the need of effective monitoring of implementation of labour laws. Legislation related to minimum wages, contract labour, industrial disputes and ‘working conditions in the factories’ affects the life of the working class in a very significant way. These laws touch upon the lives of the most deprived and marginal classes of the society. 

He said that one of the primary functions of his ministry is to maintain industrial harmony. "The conciliation and enforcement machinery plays an important role in achieving this aim. State Governments are the implementing agencies for many of the labour laws. Our ministry is very responsive to the concerns of our stakeholders and we believe in taking proactive measures in consultation with State governments and social partners," he said. 

While concluding LEM reminded all present that we are committed to create a healthy work environment. Industrial climate should be conducive to achieving a high rate of economic growth with due regard to protecting the interests of the working class. Our country’s economic progress and social peace will to a large extent depend on how responsive we have been to the needs and rightful aspirations of the working class.

Kharge concluded by telling that the challenge remains huge and achieving it will require single minded dedication coupled with a lot of hard work. He exhorted the State Labour Ministers present in the Conference and all other delegates to synergize their strengths, to bring our country in the forefront of the community of nations.