Problems of Future

The working poor of India are an un-united lot. This class of people are not wielding economic power or political power, they are weak and they are kept divided. Their vulnerability lies in the fact that there is no commonality to bind them together.The government sides with the rich corporates. Situations are created to hide away the real issues and engross the public mind in trivial issues. How they find their common causes, and unite to protest, determines the future of the working people of India.Although there are trade unions they are politically fragmented. They are living in separate states and speak different languages. and they cannot mobilise themselves nationally. On second twice this year there was a joint strike or "bandh" It was not publicised and government did not pay heed to it. May Day was observed and this also was ignored by government and the media. Their problems are many. They want to revolt against contractualization; they want to protest against low wages and against poor working conditions. They have to face "you are fired if you say anything" statement by their bosses. Most workers do not have a way of forming trade union as their work takes their entire time. They are all underpaid, if they ask for more, pay is reduced further.Because there are so many unemployed workers, they are always threatened by"you will be replaced"statement. And they are, as the unemployed people looking for work are so many.They want regularisation of contract when they have worked for longer time, but their contract is renewed as if they are"fresh"labour without experience; and that too for a short contract time.If they sign for longer time, the employer has to pay towards accommodation and medical benefits; and that commitment is disliked by employer. Often work day is extended indefinitely to meet targets which are unattainable. Many times they are denied tea breaks; if given is deducted from their working hours. Minimum wages are kept at minimum levels, so that corporates gain. Safety at workplace is ignored and till a worker falls down and can no work no more, he would have to go on. Women also work as their incomes have to supplement the family income. And they are often harassed; is they complain, they would be transferred and they would suffer further. Equal pay for equal work is not given even if the law guarantees it.Indian workers are most underpaid in the world but they are most overworked. Any labour law made allows the employer to benefit rather than the employee. When is this going to end? May be with mobile technology and much media exposure, workers of India would unite to get their rights. If industrialisation is to be effective, the working people should get their share of the wealth generated. If only corporates benefit, workers will revolt everywhere .