Hapless Souls

The  Labour Laws concur with the International Labour Laws regarding the working hours – 8 hours. Exception to the rules are there for some categories  – but nor more than 9 hours.  However in practice many are forced to work for hours and hours continuously without any break which can stretch to 12 to 14 hours or perhaps more; and without any holidays. And there is none to complain about it. If complained they can leave the job; many are in the waiting list for lower salaries according to the employees.

Much is talked about the welfare of the employees and human resource development. The talk remains as talks only and the development ends in getting human resources on lower and lower pay and make them work as slaves. The poor fellows cannot complain; for then they will have to leave. Threatened with punishments, delayed/non payment, loss of job, ban for reentry for six long months, they are fully aware of the fortune they had shelled out to get this land of milk and honey and are constrained to lead the passive life.  Wisdom dawns too late and in many cases it dawns much delayed or at times never dawns at all! The realization comes too soon, that the hapless souls are helpless. The knowledge that they are aware of the pathetic situation makes it more painful.

In many companies increment is unheard for many years though the cost of living is skyrocketing. Bonus is shared among the preferred and unknown and unheard by many. Landlords are increasing the rent mercilessly and the employers simply turn a deaf ear, blind eyes to the plight of the employees. It is strange that it happens in many companies who boast high professionalism and multinational status.

Is this called professionalism? Is this much talked about Human Resource Development? While the authorities try to inculcate professionalism, welfare of the employees there are many who try to sabotage the purpose and the procedure. They are not qualified, have no idea about manning, managing. They are not interested in the common welfare but only of themselves; and are absolutely unaware of the adverse effects they bring about by demoralizing the hapless souls. The end result – mismanagement leading to poor productivity, bringing more red to the balance sheet. Who can and will bell those cats – when, how soon, so that all concerned can live in peace and harmony!