This refers to the editorial “A temporary truce” (June 20). The grievances of the contract staff arise from the relatively high pay for regular staff in a company like Maruti Suzuki. Unless the enormous difference in remuneration and job security between the regular staff and the contract staff is reduced to the minimum, contract workers’ unrest will continue to erupt. What is the point of ignoring the problem and looking for solutions elsewhere? Big companies like Maruti Suzuki have succeeded in maintaining this dual pattern of employment because of lack of alternate employment opportunities for contract workers. Also, ways and means are in place to appoint contract staff and get away with primary liability towards them.
There is a case for less stringent labour laws to enable an employer to terminate the services of a worker when the situation demands. However, the question is whether the employers should enjoy unlimited power, disregarding the interest of workers. The consequences of hire-and-fire policies are obvious. There will be an increasing number of disgruntled workers. Thus, the government must strike a balance between the interests of the employers and workers.
Narendra M Apte, Pune
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