Labourers facing multiple crises: AICCTU study

They lack access to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic and food security, and face depleted earnings

A study of living conditions of the working class in Bengaluru’s unorganised sector has revealed that labourers are reeling under a triple crisis: lack of access to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of food security, and depleted earnings. They live in densely populated slums and colonies with inadequate hygiene, even as most workplaces have failed to provide masks, sanitisers and other aid for COVID-19 prevention. The study was conducted by All Indian Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) in collaboration with other trade unions. It recommended that the government carry out regular fumigation of these areas and organise free testing and vaccination camps at these localities. The authors underscored the importance of taking such measures as they found there was hesitation to get tested and vaccinated. The report made a case for augmentation of public health infrastructure and universal free treatment for COVID-19, while recommending a compensation of ₹10 lakh for families living below the poverty line who have lost a member to COVID-19.