Every year, May 1 marks International Labour Day, a day to honour the contributions of the working class, reflect on their ongoing struggles and renew commitments to fair wages, safe workplaces, and social justice. Across India, the day is commemorated with rallies, marches, and speeches, reminding governments and society of the sacrifices made by generations of workers towards nation-building. Yet, beneath the celebrations lies a stark reality where workers, especially in States like Goa, continue to face tough challenges that threaten their livelihoods and dignity.
In Goa, Thursday's rally organized by the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) in Panaji exemplifies the persistent struggles of the working class. Speakers highlighted how contractual employment, both in government and private sectors, has become a tool to deny workers their rights, including minimum wages and social benefits. Goa’s labour issues are emblematic of a broader national problem. Across India, workers in informal sectors like agriculture, construction, domestic work, etc continue to operate without adequate security, facing exploitation, low wages, and unsafe conditions.
The rise of contractual employment has further eroded job security, leaving thousands vulnerable to sudden unemployment and income instability. Reports from various states show labour laws are often sidestepped, while enforcement remains weak. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare these vulnerabilities, with migrant workers and daily wage earners suffering immensely.
In Goa, the problem is compounded by a worrying trend, that of a mass exodus of Goans seeking better prospects abroad, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. The numbers are increasing, and this brain drain signifies both economic despair and a lack of local opportunities. Despite government assurances of job creation, the data remains elusive. The Labour Minister Atanasio Monserrate promised last year that Goa would have a comprehensive database of unemployed workers, but to date, such data remains unavailable. This opacity hampers policy planning and masks the depth of the unemployment crisis.
This predicament is not unique to Goa. Across India, unemployment rates remain high. Official figures from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) indicate persistent joblessness, especially among youth. The informal sector, which employs about 80% of workers, remains largely unregulated and vulnerable. Workers are often paid below minimum wages, denied social security, and forced to work in hazardous conditions. The government’s efforts to promote formal employment and enforce labour laws are often hampered by administrative inefficiencies and political apathy. Moreover, the fight for worker rights is often overshadowed by economic policies favouring deregulation and privatization. Labour unions, which have historically been the voice of workers, face increasing challenges of intimidation, legal restrictions, and dwindling influence. Yet, their resilience, as seen in Goa’s rally, demonstrates that the spirit of resistance remains alive.
Celebrating Labour Day is thus not just about commemorating past sacrifices but also about acknowledging current hardships. It is a call to action for governments to implement policies that ensure job security, social protection, and fair wages. For Goa, Labour Day is a day that reminds us of the issues that the working class is constantly enduring.
The sacrifices of workers and the struggles of trade unions serve as a reminder that economic growth must be inclusive. If we ignore the plight of our labour force, we risk deepening inequality and weakening the very foundation of our nation’s progress. For Goa, and all of India, Labour Day is a moment to renew the pledge to uphold workers’ rights and work towards a future where every worker’s contribution is valued and protected.
