PROJECT REPORT ON

LABOUR WELFARE AND

GLOBALIZATION

SUPERVISED BY: DR. VIRENDER NEGI

COMPILED BY: TARUN INDER KAUR
B.A. LL.B (HONS) A
273/14, SEMESTER 9

UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF LEGAL STUDIES

PUNJAB UNIVERSITY
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Virender Negi for her inspiration, expert guidance,
moral boosting, continuous encouragement and appreciation which are the vital factors in
successful completion of my project work. I humbly acknowledge deep gratitude towards my
teacher.

Thanking You.

Tarun Inder Kaur

 INTRODUCTION

Oxford defines Labour Welfare as:

“Efforts to make life worth living for workmen”

“Anything done for the intellectual, physical, moral and economic betterment of the workers,
whether by employers, by Government or by other agencies, over and above what is laid
down by law or what is normally expected as part of the contractual benefits for which the
workers may have bargained.”

“It covers all the efforts which employers make for the benefit of their employees, over and
above the minimum standards of working conditions fixed by Factories Act and over and
above the provisions of the social legislations providing against accident, old age,
unemployment and sickness.”

There are two inevitable consequences of the modem factory system;

1. It has made the workers powerless. They have no control over the process and product of
their labour. All decisions concerning production are made by the ruling entrepreneur.

2. It has made the job meaningless. Jobs have become so much specialized that they require
very little skill on the part of workers and give them no opportunity to demonstrate all the
skills that they possess. They experience their jobs as intrinsically dissatisfying and
monotonous.

These conditions when coupled with exploitative management practices alienate the workers
and lead them to revolt against the existing social norms. Their self-interest and careerism
increase and their dedication to work declines. This has made the task of a personnel manager
very challenging by bringing into sharp focus the need for labour welfare. These measures
operate to neutralise the harmful effects of large-scale industrialisation and urbanisation.
They enable the workers to live a richer and more satisfactory life. The welfare measures also
benefit the employer in several ways many of which are not subject to quantification.
According to Herzberg the factors which motivate workers are increased responsibility,
advancement, growth, recognition, achievement and work itself. Labour welfare cannot
therefore, act as motivators. They can only prevent dissatisfaction. They cannot increase
satisfaction. There is evidence to show that after some time these benefits, not being
dependent on performance, are taken for granted by the workers. Labour welfare is one of the
major determinants of industrial relations.

Encyclopaedia of social science defines welfare work as "voluntary efforts of the employer to
establish, within the existing industrial system working and sometimes living and cultural
condition of the employers beyond what is required by law, the customs of the country and
conditions of the market."

Royal commission on labour defined "Welfare as one" which most necessarily be flexible,
elastic and differs widely with times, region, industry and bearing a somewhat different
interpretation in one country from another, according to different social customs, the degree
of industrialisation and the educational development of the worker. "

Hence labour welfare is one of the major aspects of national programmes towards improving
the lot of labour and creating a life and work environment of decent comfort for this class of
society. The object of welfare is one in which must can be done to combat the sense of
frustration of the industrial workers, to relieve him of personal and family worries, to
improve his health, to afford him a means of self-expression, to offer him some sphere in
which he can excel, all others, to help him a wider perception of life. I.L.O. Report refers
with regard to labour welfare as "Such services facilities and amenities which may be
established in or in the vicinity of undertaking to enable the persons employed in them to
perform their work in healthy, congenial surroundings and provided with amenities
conductive to good health and high morale."

Labour welfare is a very broad term covering from social security to such activities as
medical aid, crèche’s, canteens, recreation, housing, adult education, arrangement for
transport of labour to and from work place to residence etc.
 NEED FOR LABOUR WELFARE

The aim or object of welfare activities is partly humanistic, to enable the workers to enjoy a
fuller and richer life. The relevance and necessity of welfare work in India, can be easily
realised if one observes the pitiable working conditions of workers in this country. A stable
and efficient labour force cannot be built up without an improvement in the conditions of
their life and work in industrial centres. The development of community and society depends
only on the development of labour. The importance of labour welfare work is beyond the
stage of debate and is recognised as an integral part of industrial tradition in all industrially
advanced countries. Labour welfare is a vital part of business organisation and management
'now-a-days' a attaches more importance to human angle. It increases the productivity as well
as productivity efficiency of the workers and induces in them a new spirit of self-realisation
and consciousness. Welfare activities can go a long way in keeping the workers contented.

The need for labour welfare was strongly felt by Royal Commission on Labour as far back as
1931, when the Royal Commission on Labour stated, "The benefits, which go under this
nomenclature are of great importance to the worker and which he is unable to secure by
himself. The labour welfare scheme may be regarded as a wise investment. The worker
should at least have the means and facilities to keep himself in a state of health and
efficiency. [64] The working condition should be such as to safeguard his health and protect
him against occupational hazard." In May 1944, in Philadelphia Declaration, the International
Labour Organisation stated that "The war against want requires to be carried on with
unrelenting vigour within each nation, and by continuous concerted international effort in
which the representative of workers and employers enjoying equal status with those of
Government representatives." Indian National Congress in its Karachi resolution stated that
state shall safeguard the interest of industrial workers and shall secure them by suitable
legislation, the living wage, healthy working conditions of work, limited hours of work,
suitable machinery for settlement of disputes between employers and workmen and
protection against old age, sickness and unemployment.
Anything done for intellectual, physical, moral and economic betterment of the workers,
whether by employers, by government or by other agencies over and above what is laid down
by laws of the land, is labour welfare. Labour welfare work has its beneficial efforts on the
workers. The welfare measure influence the sentiment of the workers and contribute to
industrial peace. The aims of labour welfare are to provide facilities and amenities which
enable the workers employed in industries to perform their work in healthy, congenial
surrounding conducive to good health and high morale beside other factors

The need for labour welfare was emphasised in the free India by the Constitution which laid
down the following Articles in this regard –

Article 32 - The state shall make effective provision for securing the right to work, to
education and to public assistance, in case of unemployment, old age, sickness, disablement,
and other cases of undeserved want.

Article 33 - The state shall make provision for securing just and human conditions of work
and for maternity relief.

Article 39 - The state shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing; (a) That the
citizens, men and women equally, have the right to an adequate means of livelihood; (b) that
the ownership and control of the material resources are so distributed as to subserve the
common good; (c) that the operation of the economic systems does not result in the
concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment; (d) that there is
equal pay for equal work for both men and women; and (e) that the health and strength of
workers, men and women; and the tender age of children are not abused and that citizens are
not forced by economic necessity to enter a vocation unsuited for their age or strength.

Article 41 - The state shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development,
make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance
in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and other cases of under-served
wants.

Article 42 - The state shall make provision for securing just and humane conditions ofwork
and for maternity relief.

Article 43 - The state shall endeavour to secure, by suitable legislation or economic

organisation or in any other way, to all workers, agricultural, industrial or otherwise work, a
living wage condition of work ensuring a decent standard of life and full employment of
leisure and social and cultural opportunities and, in particular, the state shall endeavour to
promote cottage industries on an individual or co-operative basis in rural areas.

Article 43 -A- The state shall take steps, by suitable legislation on in any other way, to secure
participation of workers in the development of undertakings, establishments or other
organizations engaged in any industry.

The welfare of the labouring classes must be one of the first cares of every employer. The
betterment of workers' conditions must proceed more from the employers down rather than
be forced up by demands from below. It is so important because if the labour is well housed,
well fed, well looked after, it is not only an asset to the employer but serves to raise the
standards of industry and labour in the country. Labour welfare activities are the useful
adjunct to motivational approach and help in maintaining positive attitude towards the job
and the organisation. Therefore, welfare is also fundamentally in the interest of larger society
as the health, happiness and efficiency of each individual connotes the general well-being of
all. The concept of welfare is dynamic in nature and vary from country to country and from
time to time and even in the same country depending upon its value system, social institution,
degree of industrialisation and general level of social and economic development, According
to Fredric Engels." Labour is the source of all wealth. It is next to nature, which supplies it
with the material that it converts into wealth. But it is even definitely more than this." Thus
labour welfare is the basic condition for all organisations. To achieve the above ends, several
committees and commissions recommended certain measures which in due course turned out
to be labour laws.
 LABOUR LAWS

The term 'Labour Law' refers to that body of laws which are enacted to protect and promote
the interests of the working class in society. Labour laws comprise all those laws by which
relationships between employers and employees are governed. Labour Laws are the outcome
of the particular conditions and circumstances of each country viz. history, traditions,
economic and social structure and political orientation. All labour laws aim at ensuring steady
growth in the minimum standards of working employment and living conditions for workers
and maintaining minimum industrial peace and cordial relations between employers and
workers. Labour laws deal with the employment, wages, working conditions, industrial
relations, social security, labour welfare etc. Labour law aims at establishing a harmonious
relationship between the employees and the employers and to strike a right balance between
capital and labour. It must be emphasized that it is erroneous to use the term Industrial Laws
as synonymous to labour law. Industrial Law comprises of all statutes and case law pertaining
to industry. Hence, it comprises not only laws affecting labour but also laws concerned with
corporate management and taxation.

Labour Law constitutes an important part of industrial law. Labour laws can be grouped as
follows :

1. Laws regulating working conditions.

2. Laws regulating industrial relations.

3. Laws regulating wages and bonus.

4. Laws regulating social security measures covering maternity, sickness, occupational

disease, payment of gratuity, provident fund and family pension.

5. Laws regulating training, covering apprentices act, employment exchanges, compulsory

notification of vacancies act.

6. Lawsregulating welfare and living conditions.

 LABOUR LEGISLATION

The aim or object of labour legislation is partly humanistic to enable the workers to enjoy a
fuller and richer life and to encourage the employers to work in the development of nation.
Both employers and workers are partners in industry and in the process of national
development. Individual employers as well as the community as a whole are under an
obligation to protect the well-being of labour. A stable and efficient labour force, therefore,
cannot be built up without an improvement in the conditions of their life and work in
industrial centres. Workers must be given their due share in the gains of economic
development. If the employer had given due recognition to workers as human beings and had
cared to ensure them fair deal, the Government would not have intervened to make the
employers realise their obligation towards the labours. Labour legislation helps to maintain
industrial peace which is essential for increasing productivity and prosperity. It is also
designed to improve the service conditions of workers by providing for them ordinary
amenities of life. It also seeks to ensure the workers, who cannot bargain on equal terms, a
fair return for their labour. Labour legislation is a continuous process of growth which adopts
to the changing conditions of society. Labour legislation is that body of legal enactments and
judicial principles which deal with employment and non-employment, wages, working
conditions, industrial relations, social security and labour welfare of industrially employed
persons. Labour legislation is the expression of the feelings of the people and gives practical
shape to current human and social values prevalent in the community. Labour legislation in
India have been framed with a view to safeguard the interest of employees and the employers.
It is that paramount effort of the community which granted a real equality to workmen.
Labour legislation now covers practically all aspects of employment, working and living
conditions of industrial and commercial workers. Labour legislation is an integral part of
modem society and has come into existence through the process of Industrial Revolution.
Labour legislation helps in training work force in industrial discipline, political, solidarity and
social ethics. It should be based on the principles of social justice and social equity. Social
justice implies to following areas :

(1) Equitable distribution of profits and other benefits of industry between employer and
employees.

(2) Providing protection to the workers health, safety and morality.

Labour legislation is one of the, most progressive and dynamic, instruments for achieving
socio-economic progress and justice which is guaranteed by our constitution. Labour
legislation is that part of State's action by which the State, through parlimentary enactments
has intervened in the conduct of industry and imposed statutory obligations on the employers
and on the workmen.
 OBJECTIVES OF THE LABOUR LEGISLATION

Following are the main objectives of labour legislation

1. to protect the workers from exploitation;

2. to promote the cordial relationship between the employers and employees;

3. to protect health, safety and welfare of workers by regulating conditions of work and
providing the welfare and social security to worker;

4. to reduce frequent breaks due to strikes and lock - outs; Need for labour legislation

The need for labour legislation arises from the following reasons:

1. to protect workers in industries from certain risks, hazardous conditions and from work at
odd hour;

2. to protect women and children from exploitation;

3. the industrial workers are economically weak. They are not in a position to bargain with
the employer to secure proper wages and working conditions. Legislation aims to protect
labour against unhygienic conditions of work; low wages, unduly long hours of work and
other forms of exploitation;

4. to encourage and facilitate the formation of trade unions and workers associations;

5. Maintaining good relations between the two partners in industry.

6. strikes, lockouts and other industrial disputes lead to loss of production and national
income. Labour legislation helps to maintain industrial harmony and peace and therefore,
contributes to the development of the country;

7. labour legislation keeps good relations between the two partners employees and employers.
Labour legislation helps to protect the interests of labour;

8. workers get injured and even die in the course of employment. Labour legislation is
required to provide reasonable compensation to such workers. Legislation pertaining to
welfare and social security serves this purpose.
 LABOUR WELFARE MEASURES IN INDIA

Prior to independence various statutory enactments highlighted this issue. The Indian
Factories Act, 1881 prohibited exploitation of child labour up to some extent. Somehow this
legislation made it clear that government is empowered to protect the interest of workers
through appropriate statutes. Thereafter series of labour legislations tried to safeguard the
interest of the workers. Through the Factories (Amendment) Act, 1881, children were
safeguarded, provided protection to women workers and for better ventila tion, cleanliness
and prevention of overcrowd at the work place etc. Subsequent amendments include the
provisions to protect health, welfare and safety of the workers. Series of five years plans paid
considerable attention to promote the labour welfare and tried to create healthy relations
between employers and employees. Various legislations such as The Employees’ Provident
Fund Act, 1952, The Plantation Labour Act, 1951, The Bombay Housing Board Act, 1948,
Assam Tea Plantations Employees’ Welfare Fund Act, 1959, Maternity Benefit Act, 1961,
Apprentice Act, 1961, The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, The Contract Labour ( Regulation
and Abolition)Act, 1970, The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, The Employees’ Family
Pension Scheme, 1971, The Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, The Beedi and Sigar
Workers’ (conditions of employment) Act, 1966, The Child Labour ( Prohibition and
Regulation) Act, 1986, Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, Motor Transport Workers Act,1961,
The Automatic Energy Act, 1962 etc. Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 were passed to protect
working labour class in general and also women and child workers in particular. All these
legislations, one or the other way, tried to regulate working conditions and provide suitable
healthy environment at the work place and also tried to provide social security in case of non-
employment or retirement etc. Through these legislations, government took proactive step
and compelled employers to provide various welfare safeguards to the working community.
Besides these legislative attempts on the part of government, the mandatory labour welfare
measures were moderately taken care of in the organized sector.

However, considering the current reality and emerging trends in global management
practices, these efforts are required to be channelized with deliberate planning and proper
implementation of conscious execution of strategy in this regards. It is the need of the day to
consider welfare work as a joint responsibility of the government, employers, workers unions
and NGO’s.
 GLOBALIZATION

Globalization can generally be defined as the integration of the world economics by

removing barriers to trade and encouraging the free flow of foreign investment, private
portfolio capital and labour across national boundaries. It has opened broader communication
lines and attracted more companies as well as different organization into India. It assumes
availing of more employment opportunities for both men and women workers in India.
However, it would be challenging task for the companies to cope-up with existing labour
laws and ensure activities promoting labour welfare to suite the emerging needs of
contemporary labour force. Due to cutthroat competition in the market exploitation of labours
is likely to increase. In this context so as to keep morale of the workforce high, various
welfare measures to protect their interest are necessary as an important strategy. The aim or
objective of welfare activities is partly humanitarian to enable workers to enjoy a fuller and
richer life and partly economic to improve the efficiency of the workers and also partly civic
to develop among them a sense of responsibility and dignity and thus make them worthy
citizens of the nation. Labour welfare measures are efforts towards relieving the industrial
worker of his worries and making him happy. Industrial labour is considered as
underprivileged section of the society, lacking any bargaining power individually, hence
prone to exploitation. Adverse and unhealthy working environment is unfortunately
inevitable in India and hence need of protective devices and compulsory benefits to workers
are emphasized. The term labour welfare may include not only the minimum standard of
hygiene and safety laid down in general labour laws but also such aspects of working life as
social insurance schemes, measures for protection of women and young workers, limitations
of hours of work, paid vacations etc.

India is second highly populated country of world and has consequently big labour force in
the world. Labour is divided into two parts organized and unorganized sector.

The Indian Factory Act was enacted in 1881. As a result, employment of child labour was
prohibited. A social worker Mr.N.M.Lokhande prepared a study report on their working
conditions and submitted report to the Factory Labour Commission. In 1886 May Day
demonstration in Chicago showed to the workers of the entire world the need to join hands in
the struggle against capitalism. Bombay Mill-Hands Association came into existence in 1890.
The Royal Commission on Labour was appointed in 1929 and discussed working conditions
of the workers in organized and unorganized sectors. The labour movement has been
instrumental in the enacting of laws protecting labour rights in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Labour rights have been integral to the social and economic development since the Industrial
Revolution. The workers began demanding better conditions and the right to organize so as to
improve their standard of living. Most people of the world depend upon the day’s work for a
day’s wages. If for any reason, they are unable to work, they find themselves in financial
difficulties. In ancient and medieval times, such persons were cared for by the village
community as a whole or by the joint family. In present times, the setting up of industries and
the growing complexity of socio-economic order, the need of social security is necessary.
Every society plays an important role in social policy formulations.

Globalization is the process of international integration arising from the interchange of world
views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture. “Globalization” means the closer
integration of economies via trade and factor flows. India like any other nation of the world
could not afford itself to remain outside the clutches of impact of globalization on its
economy and industrial relations. In the present economic order, the working class has a
dominant role to play because no system can work smoothly by neglecting this important
segment of the society. Globalization has its impact on labour and social security laws. Due
to preference for contract labour by the employer the job security of an industrial worker is
under threat in the era of globalization. In 1999 National Labour Commission was appointed
to study the effects of globalization on Indian Labour Laws and its report was submitted in
2002 with suggestions to modify existing labour laws. Many efforts were made to give
security and protection to workers at the international level i.e. establishment of ILO,
International Social Security Association and Social security Alumni Association etc. ILO
has convened many Conventions for the protection and welfare of labourers. There have
inherited guidelines in Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, International Covenant
on Human Rights, 1966. The Preamble of the Constitution of India guarantees justice and
security to its citizens. The Constitution of India enacted upon independence of the country
though does not provide for compulsory institution of social security for all, yet, its Directive
Principles of State Policy contained in Part IV for theme idea in this regard explicitly.
IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON UNORGANIZED SECTOR

In the era of globalization, it became a matter of concern to have industrial harmony and
socioeconomic balance in the society especially in the developing country like India.
globalization is a “one sided movement that simply reflects and asymmetry of power which
needs to be resisted.” “Global economic interaction brings general benefits but they can also
create problems for many, because of in-adequacies of global arrangements as well as
limitations of appropriate domestic policies”. By this it is meant, globalization may pose risks
to the vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of the society. In this regard, the fact that,
workers in the unorganized sector, constituting 90% of the total working population is the
matter of concern. Improving the quality of the working life of the workers including women
and child workers is one of the great challenges. In order to ensure to workers in the
unorganized sector, inter-alia, includes weavers, handloom workers, fisher men and fisher
women, toddy tappers, leather workers, plantation workers, beedi workers. The Unorganized
Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008’ has been enacted. As per the provisions of the Act, a
National Social Security Board has been constituted for recommending formulation of social
security schemes viz. Life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, old age
protection and any other benefit as may be determined by the government for unorganized
workers.

National Commission on Labour 2002 has suggested an Umbrella Legislation for ensuring a
minimum level of protection to the workers in the unorganized sector. Supreme Court of
India has played a key role in protecting and promoting the basic human rights of the
unorganized workers. In cases like Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (AIR 1978 SC 597)
where right to live with human dignity was upheld and in Peoples Union for Democratic
Rights v. Union of India (AIR 1982, SC 1473) Supreme Court held that non-payment of
minimum wages to the workers employee in various Asiad projects in Delhi was violation of
article 21 of the constitution which talks about right to live. Hence it is necessary to formulate
effective policy for the welfare and working and living conditions of an unorganized sector
not in the rural area but also in the urban areas. Globalization and women workers: As per the
1991 census, the total work force in India is about 314million out of which women constitute
90 million and men 224 million. The male and female workers participation rate is 51.56%
and 22.73% respectively. Majority of the women workers are employed in the rural areas.
Most of them are employed in agriculture. There is concentration of women at the lower of
employment and mainly in unskilled jobs. The women workers get discriminatory treatment
and are exploited by giving lower wages than their male counterparts. It is necessary to give
more protection to female workers in their working environment. Even today, majority of
women workers are without any job security and social security. The globalization has made
many international corporations reaches by the billions at the expense of women who are
suffering enormously to this expansion of corporate empires. Women workers are force to
work are twelve hours while the local governments ignore this open flouting of the labour
laws.

As per this survey, there has not been any significant increase in employment opportunities.
But alarming fact is that there has been a declined in employment in the rural areas, led by a
sharp fall in the employment of rural females. Preseasons for the same are required to be
traced out. The recommendations of the National Commission on Self Employed Women
1987and suggestions on National Commission on labour 2002 should be implemented for
improving economic status of poor women working in the informal sector and to enhance
their ownership and control over productive assets.

STATE OF AFFAIR OF CONTRACT AND MIGRANT LABOUR

IN THE ERA OF GLOBALIZATION:

In organized industries, contract workers are not protected to the same level of conditions of
employment, wages and benefits in comparison with the workers employed directly.
Conditions of work of contract labour in unorganized sector is still worse because of casual
nature of employment, ill-literacy, scattered nature of establishment etc. Though the Contract
Labour (Regulation and Abolition, Act 1970 has made some improvement. As per this Act
certain amenities such as canteens, rest rooms, supply of drinking waters, latrines and urinals,
washing facilities and first aid facilities should be provided to the labour. However, the
implementation of the Act is not satisfactory. Hence it should be implemented properly to
promote social and economic justice amongst a larger number of workers employed in the
unorganized sector. Migration of workers is an inevitable consequence of economic
development. Various labour laws like Minimum Wages Act, Workmen Compensation Act,
and Payment of Wages Act are applicable to all workers including migrants, provided their
establishment is covered under these laws so as to protect their rights. A separate legislation
namely, Interstate Migrants Workmen (Regulations of Employments and Conditions of
service) Act, 1979 was enacted to regulate the employment and to provide for their
conditions of service and welfare and for matters connected therewith. However, again the
implementation of Act is not effective because of the reluctance to cooperate, on the part of
labour departments of originating State and ignorance of workers. Therefore, it is necessary
to implement this Act to give fair treatment, fair housing, fair wages and social security
benefits to the migrant workmen.

EMERGING ISSUES OF CONSTRUCTION LABOURS

The building and construction industries plays vital role in Indian economy. It is flourishing
industry and created new class of entrepreneurs and their by creating strong builders lobby in
the country. For development in the field of business, education, trade, commerce, transport,
health, food production, roads, canals, bridges etc. It is the second largest unorganized sector
of industry employing more than 8million workers. Due to rapid growth of urbanization there
is substantial growth in the industries. The workers working in the industries are not free
form exploitation as most of them are contract labours and moving from one project to
another and with adverse working conditions. Though so many labour laws were applicable
to these workers but they were not sufficient to tackle the problems of these construction
workers. Hence following two comprehensive central legislations were passed for this
category of workers. 1) The Building and Other construction workers (Regulation of
Employment and conditions of Service) Act, 1996. 2) The Building and Other construction
Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1996. Because of these legislations provisions for regulating the
employment and conditions of service, safety, health and welfare measures for these workers
were made. The second legislation provides for creation of welfare fund by the employer so
as to avail benefits to the worker or his families in case of accident, pension, housing loan,
children education and other medical benefits. Besides these legislations it has been observed
that these workers work timings are uncertain, their safety measures are not sufficient,
violation of labour laws is a routine, women workers are not given maternity benefits and
minimum wages and high excellent rate. Due to such reasons these workers suffer various
health problems. Casual workers don’t get benefits of various laws. During the work on sight
the working condition, residential accommodations, sanitary facilities, water education of
children are not really taken care of. Even preventive precautions have not been taken to
prevent accident on the construction site. These workers are not organized. The workers
unions should take some steps to protect the rights of these workers. First aid training
programme, awareness of various diseases is required to be conducted / made. Cultural
programmes, sports activities would create healthy environment on the site. Industry should
initiate and implement various welfare activities for these workers under the pretext of their
corporate social responsibility initiatives.

ISSUES RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL AND CASUAL

WORKERS

Agricultural workers are also unorganized and unskilled. Most of them are from lowers strata
of the society. The agriculturist himself is uncertain about his future. Hence one can
understand measurable working conditions of these workers. Considering the peculiar
conditions of agriculturist labour one can easily felt the urgent need to give sufficient
protection to such workers. The existing social security legislations have not taken
cognizance of welfare of rural workers. Rural housing, drinking water supply, rural credit
schemes, education to children is the certain major issue to be sorted out. Problem of un-
touch-ability, caste system and blind faith in the rural area add fuel to the problems. The
employment guarantee scheme can solve the various problems of these workers. The workers
involved in casual and occasional jobs may be identified as casual labourer. Number of home
based workers are working without having much legal protection in the field of beedi rolling,
garment making, agarbatti making, preparation of papad, pickles etc. There are few NGOs
like self-employed women’s associations who are working to solve the problems of these
workers. Tribal labour, forest labour, fisheries labour, mines and quarries, Beedi and Sigar
workers are certain additional working forces who are not adequately protected under the
existing legislations. Moreover few additional classes of labours working in information
technology related sector are also facing lot of problems and hence there is an urgent need to
pay attention to the welfare of these workers so as to maintain socio economic balance.
Proactive collective, concrete steps are required to be taken by the government, voluntary
organizations, intellectual, social scientist and entrepreneurs.
 SUGGESTIONS

So as to overcome problems posed by globalization, following suggestions may be

considered to create healthy environment for the workers and their families to achieve the
goal of industrial harmony and peace by respecting basic human values and human rights of
the individuals in the emerging changes in industrial sector

1. Activities of welfare measures for the workers in Indian industries must be taken by
providing facilities suitable for their physical, psychological, cultural, social economic
morale and intellectual growth.
2. Programmes for physical fitness and efficiency, housing, recreations such as sports,
cultural activities, library, holiday homes, leave travel facilities, cooperative credit
society, and transport facility may be provided for workers on and off the factory
premises.
3. Employers should take cautious and conscious efforts to avoid any strike, strife in the
industries.
4. Employers and trade unions should take proactive steps by suitably using the
information technology based equipment and services for prevention of industrial
hazards.
5. It is necessary to identify economically viable occupations and women should be
given adequate entrepreneur training so that they would explore self-employment
opportunity and avoid any kind of exploitation by the employers.
6. The recommendation of National Commission of Labour 2002 that, The Special
Courts be appointed to hear and decide upon disputes of migrants and contract labour
and such other recommendations be implemented in the interest of these workers.
7. As recommended by National Commission on Labour, 2002, an “Umbrella
Legislations for workers in the unorganized sectors to ensure at least a minimum
protection and welfare to the workers in the unorganized sectors be passed on urgent
basis.
8. Emerging concept of Corporate Social responsibility can be extended for the
betterment of workers and their families. The statutory provision relating to corporate
social responsibility and regarding spending some amount from profits of the
 companies stipulated in the Indian Companies Act, 2013 is required to be
implemented in consultation with non-governmental organization working in the
social field.
9. Joint Committees of trade unions of workers and managements should be established
to study emerging human resource management practices and make appropriate
suggestions to provide better welfare amenities. Companies should come-out of the
traditional mode of distrust and conflict and create healthy partnerships with trade
unions and workers.
10. Managements should encourage workers for their excellent work, good attendance,
team efforts creativity etc.
11. Efforts should be taken to provide housing facility to the workers near the work place
so as to avoid unnecessary transport and save the time by formulating appropriate
programmes with the help of government and Trade Unions or else providing housing
loans to purchase houses elsewhere.
12. Counselling Centers, Appropriate Insurance schemes, for workers and their families
on various issues may be established in the interest of workers. Workers Co-operative
Credit Societies may be established to cater the requirement of availing loans for the
appropriate need of the workers and their families.
13. Research should be carried out to find out the reasons for sharp decline in women’s
employment particular in rural area and appropriate strategy be formulated by the
government to see that the women work force get equitable opportunities for their
employment in the globalized economics.
14. Companies may also consider to conduct and organize training programme for skill
developments of workers and also for building awareness of rights, duties and
liabilities among the workers.
 CONCLUSION

Besides certain constitutional safe guards to unorganized labour force in India and labour
legislations, there is urgent need to take pro-active steps by employers and see that this
substantial section of society live their human life with dignity and with adequate social
security. So as to eradicate negative impact of globalization on the labour force of India, the
collective efforts on the part of government, employers, voluntary, organizations, Trade
Unions through concrete, well planned strategic steps can definitely improve workers and
their family member’s physical, mental, social and cultural conditions of life as well as
health, safety, security and convenient conditions of work life. Proper implementation of
labour legislations and proactive steps of the employers and other stake-holders can make
positive change in the field of labour welfare in India which would ultimately help the
industrial society to create social and industrial harmony and peace. India needs to cater the
aspiration of this neglected unorganized sector, and finally see that the goal of socio-
economic justice, enshrined in the constitution is accomplished.