The Hindu Business Line : Labour management

The day after the CEO of a firm, located in Noida near Delhi, was done to death in his office on September 22 by workers incensed over the management’s refusal to reinstate some dismissed workers, the Union Labour Minister, Mr Oscar Fernandes, caused an angry reaction nation-wide by calling the incident ‘a warning’ to managements.

He infuriated India Inc. further by stating that the workforce was “unable to express its simmering discontent over the management policies,” leading to strained ties between them and the managements. He, therefore, appealed to them “(to) deal with workers’ problems with compassion”.

The resulting commotion made the Minister withdraw his remarks and express his apologies. As one who had had some experience in handling industrial relations both as a former Industries and Commerce Secretary of West Bengal and the chief executive of four major public sector enterprises, I am of the opinion that the Minister’s observations were both wise and necessary.

Truth to tell, they reflect my long-held conviction that most labour troubles in industrial establishments, and indeed, most foul-ups in employer-employee relations in any organisation, are due to the insensitivity and lack of responsiveness of the top brass, many of whom are inaccessible to lower formations and do not keep their ears to the ground.

If you think I am harsh, try to get in touch with No.1 or anyone in the higher echelons of an industrial and business establishment, and see whether you are able to get through to him. In 10 out of 10 cases, you would be stonewalled, even if you disclose your identity as a respectable citizen or even a person of standing yourself. If this is your plight, you can well imagine the shabby treatment that the workforce has to put up with.

Bounden duty

The higher one’s position is, the greater the onus on him to demonstrate his humanity and compassion in every action and decision of his. He should regard the genuine hardships and grievances of those working with (the word ‘under’ in this context is to be banished) him as the very first charge on his time. Most importantly, instead of flaunting the rule book or reading the riot act, he should cultivate a human approach, displaying a sense of empathy and understanding.

For instance, for a human being there is nothing more devastating than losing his source of livelihood and being thrown out on the streets. In the case of lapses other than commission of serious crimes (misappropriation, embezzlement, physical violence, destruction of property), bosses should talk to the persons concerned and give them a chance to improve themselves.

Those at the top should remember that they are in enjoyment of perks, luxuries and facilities, while the average worker/employee has to rough it out in his daily grind. Demands of the bosses are met for the asking, while the worker/employee has to run from pillar to post to get the human minimum.

Hence, it is bounden duty of the bosses to be exemplars of the spirit of kindness, magnanimity and simplicity. After all, they cannot think of themselves greater than Emperor Asoka who left instructions in his rock edicts throughout his domain that the well-being, hardships and grievances of the people (“All men are my children”) were his first concern and they could approach him any time anywhere “whether he was resting or sleeping, whether he was bathing, whether he eating, whether he was with his consort, whether he was in his garden, and whether he was travelling”.

B. S. RAGHAVAN

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