Canacona: In spite of May 1, being celebrated as the World Labour Day and a declared public holiday in India, for most of the workers working in the unorganised sector like shops in Canacona it was just another day at work.
For the workers working in industries, services sector and other sectors except for essential services, it is a paid public holiday.
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But for most of the staff working in over 250 shops dotting on the road sides from Sheller to Char Rasta and in municipal market it was just like any other day, worst part was many of the local boys and girls working as counter sales boys/girls are not even aware that a labour day exists for them.
Unaware and ignorant of their rights, activists alleged that these unfortunate workers were made to work the entire day; while the fortunate ones working in more organised sector like banks, government offices etc spent their day with their families as other activities stand restricted.
Speaking to Herald, activist Anil Bhagat said it’s a shame that such owners did not give a holiday to their staff, while adding that they had earlier complained about shops forcing their staff to work beyond the stipulated eight hours a day.
“All the shops owned by these migrants which number over 100 in Chaudi itself are kept open on national holidays and Sundays and these practice not only leads to exploitation of labourers but leads to unlevel playing field to the traditional local shopkeepers” Bhagat added.
“The department’s entrusted with the implementation of the welfare of the workers working in unorganised sector, should step in and initiate enquiry into our allegations and put a full stop over the exploitation by these shop owners” added another activist.
