Orientation to the CCC for NGOs and Trade Unions
Salem, 14th of March 2003

From cotton growing to weaving, farmers and workers are exploited. 35% of the Indians are employed in this work without nutritious food, medical care or education. Due to drought and poverty, many migrate to the cities, where they are paid meager wages.

Multi-national corporations spend 55% on advertisement, 20% on furnishing show rooms and 10% on administration. 10% are own profit and only 5% are spent on workers' wages. They pay the least wages possible because they don't want to reduce or cut any other costs in the production line. Employers can dismiss employees at any time. The employee is not able to claim his employment in court as the employment to the person is not legalized.

Although women should not be employed after 6 p.m., many young girls get recruited, provided with hostel facilities and exploited for 5 years until marriage. Then they are paid between Rs. 25.000 to 40.000 (between US$ 500-800), which is called a "marriage gift plan".

Due to modernization and up-gradation of machinery many have lost their jobs. Because of the contract system, there is no permanency of work.

Although there exists a multiplicity of enacted labour laws, they are not properly enforced by the Government, who is the responsible institution. There have been 250 labour law amendments made since the Industrial Dispute Act of 1926 but neither has changed the situation of the workers. There is no equal remuneration for equal work as per the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. As per the Abolition of Child Labour and Rehabilitation Act, 1986, no child below the age of 14 should be employed but according to the United Nations Organization, 18 years of age and below should be regarded as a child.

Group Work

Problems faced by workers

Child labour and no employment opportunities for parents, which leads them into sending their children to work
  Low wages, long hours
  Only one day holiday per month
  Wages deducted without any proper reason
  No health and safety measures or welfare schemes
  Sexual harassment of young girls and women employed till late night
  Discrimination based on caste, religion and language

Activities

  Arrange employers and employees coordination meetings
  Educate parents on child rights
  Campaign openly through cultural programmes and street plays in public places, schools     and colleges
  Form network between organizations and committed individuals
  Prepare detailed survey on child labour in the region