The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Centre studying proposal for law on seasonal employment

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Sunday, Mar 25, 2007
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Centre studying proposal for law on seasonal employment

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Oscar Fernandes promises protection to unorganised workers

EXCHANGE OF VIEWS: Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment (second from left), interacting with members of FKCCI during a seminar on `Labour reforms' in Bangalore on Saturday. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Bangalore: The National Conference on Labour to be held in the end of April in Delhi will attempt to find a solution to problems facing both industry, especially the small and medium segments and by workers, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes said here on Saturday.

Speaking at the seminar on "labour reforms" organised by Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), he said new laws to safeguard the interests of unorganised workers, forming a majority of the total workforce, was getting ready. At the same time, factors of "seasonal employment" as in the case of those engaged in farming and fishing had to be viewed realistically. While the Centre had come out with the "100 days a year" minimum employment guarantee scheme, even the private sector could do it, if labour laws became more flexible, he said.

"In six to 12 months from now, there will be changes in labour laws keeping in mind the need for industrial growth and a safety net for those facing unemployment. Issues such as contract workers, seasonal jobs, layoffs, retrenchment benefits and other matters which concern the industry and trade unions will be dealt with at the New Delhi conference later this month," he said.

Mr. Fernandes said the efforts to make technical education available to more youths, involving industry in upgrading industrial training institutes and the opportunities available for skilled workers from India in countries with a predominantly ageing population, were issues being dealt with earnestly.

Corporate lawyer S.N. Murthy referred to the mismanagement of ESI hospitals despite mandatory contributions from the workers and managements. He said workers could be allowed to use designated private hospitals and get reimbursement from ESI.

Many labour laws had become redundant and industries meeting export obligations or facing unexpected cancellation of overseas orders should not be victimised for employing contract workers or lay-off workers for some periods, he said.

INTUC leader D. Leelakrishnan, also a lawyer, agreed that laws had to become more flexible. At the same time, there should be safeguards for workers at a time when mergers and acquisitions were common. "Because existing laws are so ambiguous, even workers in public sector undertakings are beginning to feel insecure about their future. Most instances of voluntary retirement in the public sector were actually compulsory retirements," he said.

FKCCI president R.C. Purohit said: "Industry is not asking for legal reforms only to hire and fire. We understand well if you don't have a skilled, permanent work force, we cannot compete in today's market. Labour welfare and job security are our prime concerns too."

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