Kiln workers decry exploitation
Some workers have returned to Mumbai but more than 10,000 building sites are lying virtually abandoned due to severe labour shortages across the city. PHOTO: AFP
Brick kiln workers in and around the capital have complained of exploitation and being paid less than the minimum wage, defying provisions under the labour laws, making it hard for them to meet both ends meet, especially during the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Talking to APP, brick kiln worker Manzoor Hussain shared that they have been facing severe challenges, including the lack of basic facilities, long working hours, no leaves for an emergency, medical facility and hazardous working conditions.
Further issues included bonded labour, harassment, child labour, exploitation and not paying wages to employees.
"I don't even remember the exact year when I came here to work,” said brick kiln worker Nasreen Bibi, adding that her children have grown up at or around the kiln she has been working to the point that they have now been drafted in the same exploitative system.
Her ordeal was not unique with Nasreen claiming that there were several women whom she works with daily who share a similar experience but continue their work to feed their families.
Munawar Sultana, who works for the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said that the brick kiln industry is run by businessmen who do not register their kilns with the labour department so that they do not have to provide social security and old-age benefits to workers.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 22nd, 2020.