Most of the Goan youth working in various Industrial Estates experience stress for various reasons. The reasons could be as diverse as an absence of job security, poor salaries, suspension if they go on strike and no guarantee the charter of demands will be settled every three years. In addition they are mostly on contract system with frequent breaks and the constant fear of promoters shutting shop without paying the dues.
Workers at a pharmaceutical factory in Usgao led by Trade Union leader Ajitsingh Rane claim they have been working for 25 years but are still struggling to get a reasonable salary. Not even three of their charter of demands have been met by the management. There are industries in the estates where workers do not earn even RS. 15,000 a month after working for 10 to 15 years.
After failing to snag that government job, the youth opt for jobs in industries and find themselves in a spot of bother with a stagnant wage and a sword dangling over their head if they strike. Due to an absence in the increase of salaries many of them have to delay their marriages.
The state government invites industrialists to set up facilities with the intention to provide maximum jobs for Goans. It formed the Investment Promotion Board, which provides a one window clearance, provides plots, water at reasonable rates but never bothers to conduct an audit as to how many Goans are employed. It is learnt from the trade union leader Hridaynath Shirodkar that most of labour engaged are non Goans and migrants. He said “We are not against migrants but it is fact there are a few Goans engaged in industry and at least 30% are being harassed. Though government claims 80% of the jobs ought to be provided to Goans, it appears the reverse is true. Almost 70% of the jobs are given to migrants and the rest to Goans”.
Trade Union leader Swathi Kerkar, Adv. Hridaynath Shirodkar and Ajitsing Rane argued that as per labour law the Employees Union was protected but some companies were arrogant due to the careless attitude of the Labour Commissioner and the government. Some of them had even suspended the Labour Union members of the company despite they being protected by the law to agitate for genuine demands.
Recently one of the six employees suspended set himself on fire. Kishore Gaude took this step in front of that company after being harassed for a year.
“Many are not able to marry on time due to no salary hikes for several years and age of marriage crosses they don’t get a bride to marry” said Hridaynath Shirodkar who is President of the workers union at the paint company where Kishore Gaude attempted to commit suicide and who is now struggling for life in GMC after that incident.
It is often said that there are several Industries in various Industrial Estates in Goa but thousands of Goan unemployed youths prefer and thousand stand in long queues for few number of Government Jobs, and one strong reason is that there is security in Government Jobs. Goans are not preferred because they form unions for their rights which is disliked by Companies.
Trade Union leader Swathi Kerkar said “ various disputes reach the court and they take years to settle leading to tension and frustration. The case of Kishore Gaude is a case in point. After the suicide attempt, the company rejected its responsibility claiming he did not work there despite employees claiming he was their leader. He was suspended along with six others after the company did not fulfil the demands for three years”.
Hridaynath Shirodkar said “The government should make it policy that with respect to charter of demands it should be resolved within a year by the concerned labour Commissioner. Further 80 percent jobs should be given to Goans with reasonable salary and annual hike and job security. It will help to reduce the stress on workers”.
