Transformation of the blue-collar industry: Contractors driving better wages and elevating living standards
By Satya Vyas
Blue-collar workers constitute an important pillar of Indian society. Labouring day and night, they play an instrumental role in the creation of the physical infrastructure that props up society. However, with the increasing focus on human rights, liberty, and living standards, the dismal lives that most blue-collar workers lead have been exposed, and efforts have been made to identify the malpractices feeding this neglect. In this context, contractors have emerged as the heroes of the hour, providing blue-collar workers with much-needed support, direction, and guidance. With unwavering dedication and passion, these contractors have been ensuring that the lapses and malpractices that plague the lives of blue-collar workers are addressed or eradicated.
One of the primary ways by which contractors are addressing this persistent issue is by providing fairer wages, especially those in line with prevailing government regulations and much above the minimum wages. With how the predicament of migrant labourers was spotlighted during the pandemic, contractors are also striving to provide migrant workers with access to proper housing and with means to communicate with and provide assistance to their families. Flexibility is also being practised by contractors, who now allow workers to set their own work hours. They also allow workers to choose the nature of their work and the location, if possible.
As per reports, less than 10% of jobs offer Provident Fund deposits and Employee State Insurance to their employees. Specifically, only 8.6% of jobs provide for contributions to employees’ Provident Funds, while only 7.1% of jobs cover their employees with Employee State Insurance. Considering the demanding and hazardous nature of construction work, these alarmingly low figures raise much concern. However, some contractors have been paying for these from their pockets. They witness firsthand the difficulties that blue-collar workers face; as such, they have taken a proactive approach to ameliorating workers’ circumstances.
Through some unfortunate events, contractors have also become aware of the dangers of allowing blue-collar workers to work without important safety equipment. Therefore, contractors now also actively implement safety measures to ensure that the workers get access to better working conditions and that the work gets completed without any obstructions.
A significant factor that is contributing to such a transformational change in attitudes. A greater understanding of workers’ plight has made contractors exhibit more empathy and care in their dealings. For example, at the start of the pandemic, when society as a whole was thrown into a whirlpool of chaos and confusion, many contractors helped blue-collar workers return to their hometowns safely and quickly. During the pandemic, when unemployment was at a raging high, contractors provided workers with access to jobs and other life-saving essentials. Many also arranged for medical supplies and vaccines for their workers when they were in short supply. These instances show that the contractor class is not as villainous as it is purported to be. Many showcase compassion and concern, going to great lengths for the protection of those under their care.
The advent of new technology, such as dedicated apps and platforms for blue-collar workers, has also amplified the reach of these good samaritans. Through such apps, blue-collar workers can get acquainted with fairer and more reliable contractors. These apps also help narrow the disconnect and distance between contractors and workers, which has, in turn, ushered in a range of transformative features. These include digital upskilling opportunities, access to financing options, and pay transparency, which are now being offered to workers by contractors to ensure that blue-collar workers have greater control over their lives and have the ability to pursue alternative avenues of employment. These advancements are poised to revolutionise workers’ lives.
With the rising adoption of tech, the construction industry is also showing signs of greater formalisation. Contractors are increasingly adopting digital processes and payment systems, which could reduce reliance on cash transactions. This trend demonstrates that the contractors are helping blue-collar workers reap the benefits of and get integrated into the digital-first economy that the government is trying to establish. This growing digitisation is also exemplified by the fact that lakhs of workers have been creating profiles on digital apps and platforms.
However, it is to be noted that these improvements are being brought about by only a certain section of contractors. Much more needs to be done to encourage the whole class of contractors to adopt such measures. For example, sessions can be held to educate contractors on adopting better practices and to inculcate compassion in them towards their workers.
Nonetheless, with how humanity has come together in recent times to uplift and strengthen one another, it is anticipated that the relationship between contractors and blue-collar workers will also change. The acrimony will lessen, while charity and fellow feeling will rise. All in all, a promising future beckons because of the closer rapport that is being built across the labour hierarchy.
(The author is Satya Vyas, Founder & CEO, projecthero, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
