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He has discussed the process of migration of labour to Punjab
and related aspects. The book is primarily focused on the impact
of the participation of the migrant labour in the trade union
movement in the state.
The book is spread
over seven chapters. Important among these are "Trade
unionism and industrial relations in the sugar industry of
Punjab," "Socio-economic profile of migrant labour and
local labour," and "Perceptions and attitudes of
labour towards trade unionism." Sugar mills are one of the
most important agro-based industries in the state.
There are two
important areas where concentration of migrant labour is
significant-agriculture and industry. The book contains
reference material such as statistical data and history of trade
unionism and its network in Punjab and India, trade
union-related industrial disputes, and history of migration of
labour in state in the national and international context.
Punjab's entire
agriculture, particularly paddy plantation, and allied fields
such as poultry and dairy are almost fully dependent on migrant
labour. Similar is the case of small and medium-scale industry.
The wool, knitwear and steel industry is heavily dependent on
migrant labour. Though there are many critics of migrant labour,
they do not realise the contribution of such a labour force in
the development of the state's economy.
Dr Krishan Chand
has drawn the conclusion that for a migrant worker it takes a
long while to settle and stabilise (employment wise). As such,
he cannot afford to participate in any union activity. He can
only be a passive participant.
He says trade
unionism in the sugar industry is weak because of the seasonal
character of this industry. The participation of migrant workers
in trade unionism is low. The primary motivation for becoming a
union member is protection against victimisation. Most of the
labourers work in mills only during the cane-crushing season as
un-skilled workers. Only those few who have permanent jobs in
the sugar industry take part in unionism.
Moreover, local
workers face competition from migrants for jobs and that has
causes heartburn. Clash of interests is also a reason for low
participation of the migrant labour in unionism. In fact, at
certain places clash of interests between the locals and
migrants has led to disputes. However, such disputes have
remained within manageable limits.
A very interesting
part of the book comprises the views expressed by managements of
sugar mills. In their eyes, migrant workers are sincere,
disciplined and give less trouble while performing their duty.
They are submissive and can be handled easily.
It would have been
better if Dr Krishan Chand had not limited his study to the
sugar industry. Migrant labour has been playing a very
significant role in the state's agricultural and industrial
economies also. As the sugar industry is agro based, it was
possible for the writer to have a wider perspective.
In the days to
come, migrant labour is expected to become a major issue in
Punjab. Yet, no basic study of it is available, even though a
number of books have been written in this connection from an
ideological angle. There is a need to make a rational study of
the issue.
What Dr Krishan
Chand has not discussed adequately is whether trade unionism
will have relevance in the context of the new economic order-globalisation
and the World Trade Organisation. Has the collapse of the Soviet
Union and the Eastern bloc affected trade unionism, which is
closely associated with the Leftist movement?
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FOR
the past few decades, labour from various parts, especially Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar and Orissa, has been migrating to Punjab, known as a
land of plenty and prosperity. Though Punjab's economy is now in the
doldrums, labour continues to flock to this part of the country.
Obviously, the states from where migration is taking place have been
performing even worse than Punjab.
