The government needs to do more to retain Goan workforce in the state itself
The International Workers’ Day or Labour Day was celebrated in most parts of the world on May 1. Rallies were taken out and meetings were organised to highlight the contribution of workers in nation building and to create awareness about their rights. It is also a day to commemorate labour movements and the struggles workers have gone through over a century. Programmes on the day also serve as a platform for workers to unite and demand better working conditions and fair wages.
The first-ever May Day celebrations in India were held in 1923 in Chennai (then Madras) by the Labour Kisan Party. In Goa, Adv Gerald Pereira, a freedom fighter, founded the first trade union by organising the workers of the Mormugao port. The union was registered in 1962. Goa has seen strong trade union activities—some turning violent—in the 1980s and 1990s.
This year too, trade unions marked the day with a rally in Panaji. Their leaders highlighted issues dogging the industrial sector in Goa and demanded better working conditions and salaries. They also raised concerns over job losses, rising prices, and growing unemployment and criticised the government for the new labour codes.
On May 1, speaking at a function, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant warned industrialists that his government would not tolerate the exploitation of workers. He said that some private companies continue to engage apprentices under the PM Apprenticeship Scheme beyond the allowed one-year period. “If companies wish, they can place these apprentices on probation for a year after the apprenticeship period and then offer them regular jobs. Otherwise, they must issue a one-year experience certificate and let them go. But they cannot exploit them,” he said.
Sawant said that efforts are being made to streamline the process for providing housing loans, subsidies, and other benefits to labourers and workers in the private sector. This is a positive development, as employees in the private sector need these facilities. It is the lack of facilities that has been leading to a clamour for government jobs. Last year, the Goa government was in the news due to the cash-for-government jobs scam. There are some departments, such as PWD and WRD, where some workers have been on contract for years, and they need justice.
Thousands of our youth are working in sectors such as IT, computers, finance, etc., outside the state. Goa was best suited for IT industries but missed the bus nearly two decades ago. Nonetheless, the sector has shown employment potential. Finding it difficult to get jobs with “fair wages”, some local youths have gone abroad. Over the years, there has been a mismatch in what we teach in colleges and the availability of jobs. Fortunately, for the last two years, the government has started skilling and upskilling programmes.
The CM has said the government is committed to providing workers with benefits and facilities, including ESI, Provident Fund, and health insurance. This will be in line with the theme for the International Labour Day 2025, ‘Safety and Health of Workers’. However, the government cannot shirk its responsibility of pushing industries to do more for their staff. Safety and health of workers have to be ensured. Those working the late shift have no public transport to return home.
The government also needs to remind the industry to give preference to locals. This will also help avoid social tensions in the society.
