Story 1/10: Motiya Meena
"During the lockdown my [construction] contractor said he would pay me but now he is refusing. If each contractor continues to defraud me, how will I feed my family? That's why I changed [to the garment line]." (1/6)
"During the lockdown my [construction] contractor said he would pay me but now he is refusing. If each contractor continues to defraud me, how will I feed my family? That's why I changed [to the garment line]." (1/6)
For 10 years, Motiya has worked as a karigar or skilled construction worker, seeking waged work from the naka (labour congregation point) daily. He often changed contractors, but earned INR 7-800 per day regardless and was able to get work for at least 25 days a month. (2/6)
Post-lockdown, he has struggled to receive work at the naka. Moreover, his earlier contractor has failed to pay him his promised wages at one of the most vulnerable times in his life. #InternationalMigrantsDay (3/6)
Since October, he has worked as a helper or 'unskilled' worker in a garment unit, to cut excess dhagas/threads from stitched shirts. Wages are paid monthly and the employer cannot abscond like his earlier contractors, he says. (4/6)
The assurance of work and getting paid on time at the end of the month was the only motivation for him to switch to this lowest paying job. This despite the fact that with an INR 9,000 monthly wage, he makes less than half of what he did as a naka construction worker. (5/6)
"I did this out of desperation," he says. He must not only meet city expenses on these decimated earnings, but also support his wife, 3 children, father & a disabled brother.
The state & industry cannot turn away from reality: this is what economic recovery looks like. (6/6)
The state & industry cannot turn away from reality: this is what economic recovery looks like. (6/6)
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