1st May, is celebrated worldwide as International Labour Day, also called as ‘May Day’. This
recognition to working class from International Labour Organization( ILO), has come out of
struggle and sacrifices of many unsung heroes of yesteryears.
In nineteenth century, industrialization was rapidly growing and workers were being exploited.
The workers had to struggle for improvement of working conditions, better salary and to limit
working hours. There were agitations, especially in European countries and America. Chicago
agitation of 1886 mainly for achieving 8 hours duty is well known. The Chicago protests is now
celebrated as Labour Day on 1st May.
Since then workers have been continuously struggling, agitating for achieving betterment in
living and working, depending upon unity and striking power.
However, today, in 2020 we are in altogether different situations. Working hands have no work.
Industries are closed. Even petty works are closed, not only in India but all almost all over the
world. Whole world is in ‘Lockdown’ for last three to four months and likely to continue for
very long time. Entire world economy has shattered. We are in grip of a contagious virus
named ‘Corona’ or Covid-19 as declared by WHO. This virus has originated from Wuhan capital
of Hubei Province of China and has spread over almost all countries claiming lakhs of deaths.
Today, a peculiar situation exists, there is no employee, no employer as everything is closed.
Even self-employed, farmers are unable to work and earn their living. In India things are worst.
Migrant workers from one state to another particularly those who work as daily earning
labourers, be it construction workers, workers in small eateries etc. could not withstand sudden
declaration of lockdown. Plight of such workforce which is in lakhs, is horrible. Though various
governments, NGOs are organizing food and shelter, it is far from adequacy. The workers are
daring to travel for hundreds of kilometers on foot to reach their home places at least to bewith loved once. The present situation and the near future look to be very dark. The economy is
worst hit. Crores of jobs are lost and at least for about few years things are going to be very
difficult.
At this stage broadly, we must acknowledge the sincere efforts of governments, local bodies
and various organizations including labour unions in disaster management. More than that we
must acknowledge the hard work that is being put in by medical and other essential services
like sanitary workers, police, electronic and print media, railways, road, air and waterways
transportations, provision supplier etc. who are risking their lives in fight against Covid-19 virus.
ILO too has shown it’s concern during safety webinar on 28th April 2020,in which amongst
others NFITU delegation participated and putforth our view point.
In this situation our role as Trade Unions is very challenging of restoring normalcy and
protecting dignity of working class. It is also time to review the policies, the strategies of
governments, politicians and society at large, as to how we want to proceed after we overcome
the present crisis of the virus.
Now it is proven in this last one month lockdown that the public servants and government
servants, the government hospitals, essential services like public transports, local government
bodies have stood true to their positions against all odds and have been performing at risk of
their lives. When such control is available to government over their employees, is it advisable to
go on privatization of such organizations. The policy of privatization that has been going on
crazily needs to be stopped the PSUs are required to be reactivated and optimum utilization of
human resources has to made to give human touch while reviving economy.
Our beloved leader Late Shri George Fernandes had a clear stand that ‘IF INDUSTRIES EXIST,
WORKERS EXIST’. Similarly if Nations emerges strong, we shall be strong. HMKP therefore is
always positive and active in Nation Building. HMKP will deliberate and chalk out our course of
further action ,once we overcome present Covid-19 crisis.
Our Salute to all those known and unknown heroes of working class movement.
Subhash Malgi
General Secretary,
Hind Mazdoor Kisan Panchayat
01/05/2020
