Govt. directed to inquire into state of sea food workers

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, MAY 28. The efforts of the Cherthala-based Thozhilali Ekopana Sahakarana Sanghom to obtain relief for the hundreds of workers employed in the sea food industries in Cherthala succeeded when the Kerala High court recently directed the State Government to inquire into the conditions of these workers.

In an order passed on a writ by the Sanghom, the High Court directed the State Government to appoint an officer for the inquiry. The State Government was also directed to take necessary steps to improve the working conditions at the work place.

The Sanghom said in its writ that the working condition of the persons, mostly women, employed in the peeling, freezing and ice plants of sea food industries were deplorable. The workers were compelled to work for 10 to 12 hours as the labour laws were not implemented or followed in the industries, especially in the freezing plants. Even their earnings were meagre. They were only paid Rs.30 to Rs. 40 on an average. Though they constituted the backbone of the sea food industry which earned a good amount of foreign exchange, the workers' conditions were pitiable.

In the report submitted by the Alappuzha District Labour Officer, it was pointed out that though labourers were only allowed to work during normal hours, they were occasions when the workers were forced to work during the night. The report also said that all facilities at the work place, as prescribed by the law, were absent. Only a few norms were observed.

The main problem was the overcrowding inside the work place. As a result, the workers were unable to move about or go out for their primary needs. This led to health problems. Besides, the floor was wet and slippery and not all the factories were provided with facilities like ventilation, lighting, fan, drinking water, latrines, urinals etc. Though, these amenities were prescribed by the Factories Act, 1948, most of the factories were found wanting in this respect.

An attendance register and a record of the wages paid to the workers were also absent. Neither bonus, gratuity nor any other benefits were given to the workers. The report highlighted that as many as 90 per cent of the workers were women.

The court noted that the report of the labour officer had made the bad working conditions of the workers clear. There was no one to monitor the observance of regulations. The labour officer also stated that nothing was done for the welfare of the workers.

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Section  : Southern States
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