Friday, 2 May 2014 00:24
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In his customary message to mark May Day, President Mahinda Rajapaksa focused on sustainable development embracing the country, rapid development and of course his confidence that workers will stand against “international conspiracies.” Standard themes that have long become a parade lauding the ruling party rather than celebrating the daily fight of the common man.
Readers will remember exactly one year ago the pervading theme was the increase in electricity prices. As a May Day boon of sorts Rajapaksa agreed to allow the lowest charges to remain the same, theoretically providing relief to the poorest segment of consumers. However, the fuel adjustment surcharge that was introduced by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) was allowed to remain despite promises by the President to remove it, eventually racking up Rs. 25.4 million in profits for the CEB.
It is accepted that the CEB and other State-owned enterprises need to reduce the red in their ledgers but it has to be done in a more sustainable and structural manner, which has been largely ignored by policy makers. In such a situation equitable relief to the working man cannot be achieved.
Another point that was raised in Rajapaksa’s message is the reduction of unemployment to 4%. However, the overall unemployment rate reported for females is 6.4% while it was 2.8% for males. The highest unemployment rate was reported from the G.C.E (A/L) and above group, which was about 8.1%; over double the national level. Clearly, equitable employment opportunities are still lacking with educated women and youth falling behind in the race for worthwhile employment.
Government statistics admit household income figures, which are also ironically released by the same department, show growing inequality. According to the Household Income & Expenditure Survey 2012/13 report, Rs. 40,887 is needed by an average family in Sri Lanka to meet their monthly household expenses, while an urban household with less than four family members needs Rs. 59,001. However, the Central Bank says per capita income was recorded at $ 3,000, which allows for a monthly income of Rs. 32,500. Yet the new report has stated the average per capita income is Rs. 11,932 per month. More than 50% of Sri Lanka’s households make an income of less than Rs. 35,000 and while these could be supplemented by migrant worker remittances, it shows a deepening level of inequality. Employment must result in meaningful income and support a decent standard of life. Otherwise unemployment figures are just political pipe dreams.
The message also claims a “democratic environment” exists in the country and workers have “legal rights.” Yet these phrases are woefully inadequate. Sri Lanka records around 4,000 workplace accidents every year, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), raising massive concerns over workplace safety, regulations and accountability frameworks. Labour Department statistics reveal that, alarmingly, over 80 Sri Lankans lose their lives in work-related accidents every year.
Hundreds upon thousands more are victimised in contracts here and abroad with vulnerable groups such as migrant housemaids prominent among them. Workers who die or are injured also face huge challenges in obtaining compensation and other rights.
Worker legislation in Sri Lanka is also behind the times and hampers development. The struggles of the working class are many but have been subverted to a political extravaganza where the ruling party uses tax payers’ resources to cart people by the bus load from provinces and showcase their power.
Even the high level of indirect taxes heaped on by the Government on essential goods effect these people the most. Peace is a starting point but it is clear the workers need more assistance, resources and empathy from the Government.
