Workforce empowerment grants employees more autonomy, authority, and responsibility within their roles, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement.
Every year on May 1st, International Labour Day, also called May Day or International Workers’ Day, is observed to acknowledge the significant role of workers in society’s development.
This day holds immense importance across various sectors, symbolising the crucial contribution of labourers to societal progress. Discussions on workers’ rights persist, with many facing unsafe working conditions and inadequate recognition. It’s imperative that we, as a society, recognise and respect the labouring class, as their role not only benefits society but also sheds light on broader societal issues.
PHOTO CREDIT : HAAMID MUSHTAQ BALA
In the contemporary era, disparities in social standing persist among workers in various industries and nations. May Day provides a platform for these workers to amplify their voices and call upon policymakers and politicians to prioritise social justice.
many people work hard in jobs like factories and construction, but their lives are really tough. They don’t have proper safety measures at work, and they don’t get paid much or regularly. This means it’s hard for them to support their families and plan for the future. They have to work long hours just to make ends meet, and they don’t have much time for fun or to spend with family.
A lot of these workers didn’t get much education, so they can’t get better jobs with better pay. They often live in crowded places with not enough schools or hospitals nearby. Plus, they’re always worried about losing their jobs because there’s not much security.
All this stress doesn’t just stay at work—it affects their families too. And because they don’t have much power, they can’t really ask for better treatment or pay.
But things could be better. If workers got paid more, had better job security, and could access education and support, they could have better lives. And that’s important because they’re not just workers—they’re people who deserve respect and a chance to be happy and healthy.
Workers and their safety should always remain a top priority. We often neglect them and their requirements, whereas it is because of them that most of the beautiful and visionary imaginations come into reality. Thus, the labour laws in India should be cooperative towards their demands and their rights.
To understand labor laws and assess whether they empower workers and strengthen their rights, we have to dive deeper into the code and understand it in a better manner..
CONCEPT AND EMERGENCE OF LABOUR LAWS IN INDIA
The origin of Labour Law in India has a rich and interesting history. Long back, when the famous Industrial Revolution took place, it changed the face of development entirely. People shifted from rural culture to industrial culture in no time. However, the changes that were witnessed due to the Industrial Revolution brought some gaps with it that had to be dealt with. To fill these gaps, people at that time took the help of some crucial steps that were none other than the labour laws. Labour law was the direct consequence of the Industrial Revolution that took place.
The rich and classy industrial society took advantage of poor and helpless workers at that point in time to fill their pockets. The law at that point in time was made in such a manner that it always benefitted the rich and the poor had to suffer. There was a master and servant approach between an employer and a worker. This resulted in unfairness and harassment.
That’s why the scope of labour laws changed with time. Earlier labour laws were used to protect the interest of the employer. However, things changed when contemporary labour laws came into action. These laws safeguarded employees from all exploitations. Thus, the old laws that had a hire and fire theory, that misused employees were no longer valid.
In a society where humanity is something that has always been prioritized, it is very essential to treat the labourers or the working people with the rights that have been established by the fundamentals of labour law. With the change in time, working conditions, and rules, the current code that has been laid down by the Indian Constitution is progressive. It provides benefits like health insurance, proper working hours, an old-age pension, maternity leave, bonus payments, gratuity payments, and so on.
There are several labour law principles that we shall go through now to understand the principle in a better way:-
(i) Principle of Social Justice
The basic fundamental rule of this principle is that everyone should get social justice irrespective of their caste, color, or circumstances and they should be treated equally. The principle aims to put an end to the social inequalities that exist in our society. Some groups of people face enormous social disadvantages and harassment when it comes to employment. That’s the reason why the principle of social justice came into the picture, as it seeks to upgrade the social status of every worker and provide them with satisfying employment opportunities.
(ii) Principle of Social Equity
The main fundamental of this principle is to maintain labour-friendly social equity laws, as the circumstances change with time and things get complicated. The need to upgrade the laws so that they can align with the circumstances is something that is crucial. Thus, the government takes some drastic decisions according to the requirements to adjust to the evolving scenarios. The main goal is to maintain fair standards for every working people through social equity.
(iii) Principle of Social Security
A person’s safety and security in the place of employment and in society are referred to be social security. The goal of this principle is to provide a satisfying lifestyle to all working people while ensuring their both basic as well as unexpected life scenarios. The workers should feel that they are always being safeguarded which would inspire them more to work.
(iv) Principle of the National Economy
This principle states that the nation’s overall economy should be taken into consideration while implementing labour laws as the condition of the national economy has a direct impact on the labour laws.
Labour Law was introduced to help the workers from their daily struggles so that they have a peaceful life and can fairly lead life. Since labourers have been facing discrimination and injustice for years, it was necessary to create a dynamic and unique code that would protect these people from miseries. Even though it took decades, labour law in India was introduced and this was a revolutionary step toward making the life of workers easier. Although we have reached a good position today, yet there’s more journey to be covered and certain brave steps would pave the path in a better manner. If we make the lifestyle of the workers smoother then the future of India’s economic, social, and industrial arena would reach the top in no time.
