For catholics labour day has added significance because of St Joseph who is remembered as a humble carpenter supporting Mary and Child Jesus The Nation salutes the labourers for their valuable contribution to Nation building and to show them respect and enhance the dignity of labour It is a paid holiday for all .The labour in general is skilled and semi skilled work force with training and withoutformal education, as opposed to highly educated , professionals, who are secure and can demand their pound of flesh with more bargaining power. The unskilled ,manual labour is one that is exploited ,as they are non unionised and no strong voice nor representation in the corridors of power. What they demand is fair substantive wages and above all dignity for their services and to be treated with due respect. They also have families to support and own dreams and ambition for a decent , comfortable life .They deserve recognition and appreciation and their work not taken for granted as just paid service. These workers have no security and social benefits to fallback upon .The recent lockdown has highlighted their misery and plight .These lowly paid workers live in sub human conditions without proper shelter, light , drinking water and health care The labour day must not only pay lip service but put in place welfare measures in tune with human dignity. Their absence alone will open our eyes to the paralysing effect on our economy and our comfort living The Nation must consciously assure them of fair living wages, dignity and supporting services Merely paying lip service and verbal praise will not serve the purpose for which the day is observed . The industrial labour may be slightly better than agriculture, construction workers The plight of underaged , children , mothers is pathetic ,The progress and development must touch the lives and living conditions of the last men in the chain .The life span of labourers is low due to health, sanitation and basic needs of diet, shelter, clothing education and safe drinking water and electricity Much is done and much more needs to be done. They are treated merely as vote banks, when their hopes aspirations are raised and them forgotten till next elections The formalities of observation of labour day with ceremonies of pomp . laced with speeches will be meaningful when their basic needs are addressed and their dignity is restored as human beings to share in the national wealth as partners in development
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim Sent from my iPhone Sent from my iPhone
