In the wake of the Silkyara Tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand, Central Trade Unions (CTUs) in India are raising their voices to address concerns about the safety of workers. This incident has prompted CTUs to urge the government to ratify International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions on workers’ health and safety. In this article, we’ll explore the role of CTUs, the existing framework in India for workers’ safety, and the significance of ratifying ILO conventions to ensure a secure working environment.
Understanding Central Trade Unions (CTUs)
Central Trade Unions play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and interests of workers. Organizations like All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) are examples of CTUs actively involved in advocating for the welfare of workers and employers. Their primary objective is to ensure fair labor practices, workplace safety, and the overall well-being of their members.
Workers’ Safety in India: The Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code (OSHWCC) 2020
In India, the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code (OSHWCC) 2020 serve as the legal framework for workers’ safety. However, there are notable concerns with certain aspects of the code:
1. **Size-based Thresholds:** The OSHWCC covers establishments with a workforce of at least 10 employees. Critics argue that this threshold may leave smaller workplaces without adequate regulatory protection.
2. **Exclusion of Branches:** The code does not comprehensively cover all branches of economic activity, potentially leaving certain sectors without specific safety regulations.
3. **Legal Restrictions:** The OSHWCC prohibits civil courts from hearing matters under the code, raising questions about the accessibility of legal recourse for affected workers.
The Silkyara Tunnel collapse has intensified the urgency for a thorough review of existing safety measures and a potential revision of the OSHWCC to address these concerns.
India’s Stand on ILO Conventions: A Snapshot
India, as a founding member of the International Labour Organization (ILO), has ratified several conventions while some remain pending. The conventions ratified include:
– Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
– Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No.105)
– Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100)
– Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention (No.111)
– Minimum Age Convention (No.138)
– Worst forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182)
– Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organise Convention (No.87)
– Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No.98)
However, notable conventions related to occupational safety and health, such as C155 – Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981, and C187 – Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006, are yet to be ratified by India.
The Urgent Call for Ratification
CTUs are emphasizing the urgent need for India to ratify these key ILO conventions on occupational safety and health. Doing so would align the nation with international standards, fostering a safer working environment and ensuring that workers are protected against various occupational hazards.
ILO: A Tripartite Force for Workers’ Rights
The International Labour Organization (ILO), established in 1919, stands as the only tripartite U.N. agency. With its unique structure bringing together governments, employers, and workers, the ILO aims to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. With 187 member countries, including India, the ILO plays a pivotal role in shaping global labor standards.
Benefits of Ratifying ILO Conventions
Ratifying ILO conventions on occupational safety and health would bring numerous advantages:
1. **International Alignment:** Aligning with international standards enhances India’s standing in the global community and fosters collaboration on global labor issues.
2. **Enhanced Worker Protection:** Ratification ensures that Indian workers benefit from globally recognized safety standards, creating a safer and healthier workplace.
3. **Improved Employer Reputation:** Employers in India, adhering to international safety standards, gain a positive reputation, attracting skilled labor and international investments.
Conclusion
The recent Silkyara Tunnel collapse has ignited a crucial conversation about the safety of workers in India. Central Trade Unions, recognizing the need for robust safety measures, are urging the government to ratify ILO conventions on workers’ health and safety. As we navigate the complexities of labor laws and international standards, the collective effort to create a secure working environment remains paramount. Ratifying these conventions would not only align India with global norms but also contribute to the well-being and prosperity of its workforce.
