Letters: Protect workers

This refers to the report “Has Maruti found a solution for its labour woes?” (December 21). Frequent strikes and violence by the labour class has brought to the fore that labour crisis is inevitably present in India.

Although provisional labour ministry data show that strikes and lockouts have fallen from 349 in 2009 to 99 in 2010, the bitter truth is that grievances of workers, in both organised and unorganised sectors, are not being addressed properly. Banning on strikes is not favourable. In fact, such a hurried act will deprive employees of their rights. The management should understand that lack of forums for workers to address their problems will result in more dissatisfaction. Therefore, there is an urgent need to set up such a platform for them to voice their grievances. Also, if contract workers do the same amount of work as full-time workers, there should be no wage disparity. The fact that proper perks and salaries in proportion will encourage employees to work hard cannot be ruled out.

Moreover, the government cannot be a silent spectator to such work-related issues of the labour class. It should take the responsibility for resolving these.

P Senthil Saravana Durai, Mumbai

Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201 · E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number