{googleAds}

<div style="float:left">
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3667719903968848";
/* 300&#42;250 */
google_ad_slot = "6737196882";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
//-->
</script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script>
</div>
{/googleAds} Vinay Paliwal, a leftist leader of the 1970s observed 'due to MANREGA, minimum wages Act and several other provisions, there were discernible changes in the consumption patterns and earning capacity of labourers in the unorganised sectors. Migrant labourers are becoming scarce leading to increase in the bargaining capacity of the available work-force at the local level. Masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, drivers and others with skills were in great demand and were in a position to demand their price. Even the unskilled 'Beldaar,' helper, was now earning Rs 250 to 300 a day. Surely the Trade Union Movement in India had helped sharpen awareness and empowered workers. Even in the rural areas we noticed recently there was a huge shortage of agricultural labourers.'

Madhukar Chaturvedi, an activist, said 'it’s the urban educated class that is under tremendous pressure with no guarantee of job security. The American Hire and Fire culture had created tensions. Like the US we do not have a healthy base of social security regime. Outsourcing had reduced the bargaining capacity of workers in the skilled sectors at higher levels.'

These days we hardly hear of strikes or labour unrest. 'Does it mean all is well with the industrial climate of the country?' asked Shravan Kumar Singh, a retired employee of the CAPART. Shravan said 'the packages may have become attractive in some sectors, but the working hours too had increased. In private banks or even in software industries, the work-force had to put in long hours of work. The contract system now in fashion even in the media, had badly affected the psyche of the employees who always feel threatened. They can not protest as alternatives are not easily available.'

Trade Unions, had been reduced to mere litigation committees busy with labour courts and tribunals, opined Anand Rai, a social activist. Rai said in Eastern UP districts, the plight of agricultural workers was pathetic. 'Even in urban clusters those at the bottom rung were under tremendous socioeconomic pressures and barely managing to survive in these difficult times. Government statistics paint a rosy picture but in reality life of labourers in the unorganised sectors was still far from humane. Exploitation in newer forms was a reality of modern India.'

The Indian Trade Union movement had generally failed in the new liberalised scenario of globalisation to address the problems of an aspiring society. Newer challenges called for innovative redressal mechanisms that were sadly lacking,' said Dr. Devashish Bhattacharya.

Naresh Paras, a social activist said trade unions instead of becoming schools of socialism to lead the working class revolution had degenerated into agents of the establishments. The disconnect between the harsh realities of existence at the grass roots and the life-styles of trade union leaders had created a huge credibility gap. 'Also there aren't any more such tall names in the trade union movement these days as George Fernandes, SA Dange and so many others of the 1970s who could inspire confidence and leadership.'

The Round Table discussion was organised at the Goverdhan Hotel, by Citizens Action Group (CAG), a voluntary organisation.