LABOUR WELFARE

Definition Labour welfare work is work for improving the health , safety and general well being and the industrial efficiency of the workers beyond the minimum standard laid down by labour legislation. Dr. Parandikar.

Labour Welfare Includes various services, benefits and facilities offered to employees by the employer. Through such benefits employers make the life worth living for the employees. Welfare amenities are extended in addition to normal wages and other economic rewards available to employees as per the legal provisions.

Welfare measures may also be provided by the government, trade unions and non-government agencies in addition. Purpose is to enrich the life of employees and keep them happy and contented.

Scope of Labour welfare Anything done for the intellectual, physical, moral and economic betterment of the workers, whether by employers, by government or by other agencies over and above what is laid down by law, or what is normally expected on the part of the contracted benefits for which workers may have bargained. -the labour investigation committee

- The committee on labour welfare Welfare is being looked at as a social right of workers The committee describes it as social security measures that contribute to improve the conditions under which workers are employed in India Labour welfare includes both security as well as non-statutory activities under taken by employers, trade unions and both the central and state governments for the physical and mental development of workers.

Importance Should prevent the adverse effects of the working environment in the factory – the health – excessive heat or cold, noise, fumes, dust and lack of sanitation and pure air Social invasion of the factory. Workers face lots of adjustments – congested environs, noisy machines, slum areas, monotonous jobs impact the psyche of ruralities – to overcome, extra inducement is required so that the worker begins to enjoy a fuller and richer life

The provisions of canteen- improves the physique Entertainment – reduces the incidence of unwanted need Medical aid, maternity and child welfare – improves health of the workers – reduces general, maternal and infant mortality Educational facilities increase – mental efficiency and economic productivity

Purpose Enables workers to have richer and more satisfying life Raises the standard of living of the workers by directly reducing the burden on their pocket. Absorbs the shocks injected by industrialization and urbanization on workers. Promotes a sense of belonging among workers, preventing them from resorting to unhealthy practices like absenteeism, labour turnover, strikes etc. Prevents social evils like drinking, gambling, prostitution etc by improving the material, social and cultural conditions of work.

Agencies Central government State government Employers Trade union – Ahmedabad textile labour association, mazdoor sabha of kanpur, railwaymen’s union , indian federation of labour – running schools , libraries, sports centres, cooperative stores, recreation and cultural centres,, organising music -dance festivals

Other agencies - the bombay social service league, Seva sadan societies of bombay women’s institute in west bengal Assam seva samity Y.M.C.A etc

Types Intramural activities – which are provided within the establishment Latrines and urinals Creches Rest centres Canteens Uniforms Library Medical aid subsidised food Shift allowances

Extramural activities – which are undertaken outside the establishment Family planning Child welfare Cooperative stores credit societies Vocational guidance Holiday homes Leave travel facilities Transport to and from the place of work

Categories Statutory welfare work comprising the legal provisions in various pieces of labour legislation Voluntary welfare work includes those activities which are undertaken by employers for their workers voluntarily.

Labour welfare officer The factories act 1948 The plantation act 1951 The mines act 1951 Provides the appointment of labour welfare officer – if the number of employees exceed 500.

Purpose To eliminate the malpractices of the jobber system in the recruitment of labour To improve labour administration in factories To serve as liaison with the state labour commissioner

Qualification University degree, degree or diploma in social service/ social work from a recognised institution and adequate knowledge of local language of the area where the factory is situated.

Duties and responsibilities Advisory Service oriented Supervisory Functional Policing Mediation