Yet again, you have scripted an insightful account of the Contract Labour, their trial and tribulations. Most of us in our present situation lament on what happens to them. However, most of us were holding responsible positions in the Organisations we worked and need to honestly soul search the role played by us, how often we took up the cause of the Contract Labour or did we willing or otherwise took the matter to Courts. Have we been fair to the Contract Labours’ cause in our working lives? there may not be easy answers.
I have personally dealt with Dr. Montario in one of the Tata Companies I worked for our Canteen Staff run by our Employees’ Society. I have the highest regard for the cause he had dedicated his life. Interesting that the very Office Bearers of the Society who were Members of the Union and fighting for their demands with the Co., were unwilling to consider salary increases for the Staff of the Canteen run by their Society. So the Roles change and so does the stand and loyalty.
We also need to be mindful of the fact that one of the reasons why Organisations prefer engaging Contract Labour and not make them permanent is the fear of the same very persons shirking work once they become permanent. Not correct, but we cannot fault Management, which includs the HR Fraternity for being myopic in their wanting to continue Contract Labour as such. It is sad but true. I am not not justifying but wanting to honestly present the reality, howsoever unacceptable.
If i have touched some sensitive nerve, well so be it.

There should be a uniform employment policy for all perennial work with the same terms and conditions for everyone. To have two people doing that same job, working the same hours, but getting different pay and benefits is exploitation, pure and simple. It also beats me how labor unions seem to be complicit in this daylight robbery of the poor.

I believe the Supreme Court should take suo moto notice of this and redress this wrong.

Contract workers face a significant disparity in treatment compared to permanent employees. This systemic issue is often driven by a desire to sidestep the numerous legal and regulatory compliances associated with full-time employment, such as benefits, job security, and various forms of worker protection.

Contract workers are seen as expendable, continually at risk of being replaced or having their contracts terminated with little to no notice.

However, this approach raises significant ethical concerns. It reflects an imbalance where the company saves money at the expense of the worker’s well-being and financial security.

It is imperative to recognize and rectify the disparities faced by contract workers.

Thank you for highlighting this so well.

I salute people like Dr.Monterio. The world is a more equitable place because of people like him.

You through your writing have rightly brought out the battle through which the contract workers have to go through in most enterprises in out country .

Regards,
Rajen,
Dr. Rajen Mehrotra