Protecting the Interests of Unorganized Workers: Not Just Laws, but Change on the Ground is Essential

Udaipur | Under the aegis of the 'Janmat Manch' (Public Opinion Forum), a discussion was organized at Savina Crossing on the occasion of International Workers' Day. Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Shrinivas—Founder and President of Janmat Manch—stated that World Workers' Day is celebrated to honor workers, protect their rights, and recognize their contributions. This day serves as a reminder of the workers' demand for an eight-hour workday in Chicago in 1886, as well as the historic struggles of 1889.

On May 1, 1886, thousands of workers in Chicago revolted against indefinite working hours—which often stretched to 12 to 16 hours—leading to the establishment of the eight-hour workday through this movement.

This day commemorates the unity of the working class and the struggles undertaken to secure their rights. In India, the first Workers' Day was celebrated on May 1, 1923, in Madras (now Chennai) by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. Within India, this day is known variously as International Workers' Day, May Day, *Kamgar Din* (in Marathi), and *Karmikara Dinacharane* (in Kannada).

This day inspires workers across the globe to unite and raise their voices against the challenges they face. Furthermore, it serves to raise awareness regarding fair wages, safe workplaces, and access to medical facilities.

Shirish Nath Mathur, Secretary of the forum, emphasized that protecting the interests of unorganized workers requires not merely the enactment of laws, but—more importantly—tangible change on the ground.

Simply formulating labor laws on paper will not suffice to uplift unorganized and exploited workers. Unless workers become organized, welfare schemes and initiatives will remain buried within bureaucratic files.

In light of the current situation and prevailing challenges, there remain over 900 million unorganized workers in the country today who continue to be deprived of the actual benefits of labor welfare and social security schemes. Given the current context, merely enacting laws is insufficient; their effective implementation constitutes the greatest challenge.

To find solutions, mediation and dialogue between social organizations and the government are essential; furthermore, resolving labor disputes requires processes grounded in mediation, conciliation, collective bargaining, and dialogue. Mathur also emphasized that the safety of female workers is a critical issue.

In today's times, it is imperative for female workers to organize themselves. Laws regarding women's safety in the workplace—such as the POSH Act—must be strictly enforced.

On this occasion, interactions were held with the laborers present—including Hiralal Meena, Pintu Meena, Gautam Lal Meena, Dinesh Chaudhary, Prakash, Khemraj, Ramesh, Khema, Naresh, Bhaktaram, Gyani Ram, and Gautam Lal—who shared their concerns. These issues included the lack of daily employment opportunities, the need to limit working hours to eight per day, and the failure to receive timely payment after completing work. Additionally, they highlighted the necessity of adequate medical facilities and safety provisions. This day serves as an occasion to pay tribute to all those laborers and workers who contribute to the building of society and the nation through their hard work.