It is easy to empathise with workers on strike, in this instance those of Maruti Udyog (“Labour the issue” by Anjana Menon, June 11). But in reality, the organised workforce in the country is far better placed than its unorganised counterpart; the former makes for about seven per cent of the entire workforce whereas the latter forms about 93 per cent. It should be noted that while blue- and white-collar workers can always form unions and get their demands heard; but agitating, unorganised workers have no such option. Also, workers in the organised sector enjoy job security, something that cannot be guaranteed to even the new class of knowledge workers.
Though, we are concerned about the high level of corruption in the country, we easily disregard the rampant exploitation of masses by the middle and upper classes. I think we – the educated middle class – should ask ourselves if we are fair to people who work for us and if we reward them enough, instead of being critical of the super rich. This introspection could perhaps lead to a better and just society.
Kirit Desai, on email
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