Unlikely Unity: How This May Day Heatwave Sparked Red-Green Solidarity in Delhi

Poor job quality keeps many people trapped in low-paying work. The India Employment Report 2024 reveals that half of formal jobs in India are actually informal. In fact, around 82% of the workforce is in this informal sector. Almost 90% are informally employed and often vulnerable to employers ignoring labor laws.

During the intense heatwaves of 2024, the Delhi Labour Department tried to help. They laid out guidelines for businesses, requiring them to provide clean drinking water, cooling equipment, and adjust work hours. The Lieutenant Governor even mandated paid breaks at government work sites. However, these rules weren’t enforced well. Trade unions submitted a memorandum asking for stricter implementation but received no response, even after workers protested outside the Labour Department. Many of these workers come from the informal sector: gig and domestic workers, often without proper legal recognition.

Workers in such vulnerable positions have limited bargaining power. Construction workers, for instance, often earn less than 500 rupees a day and depend heavily on their employers. With jobs that require them to move frequently, forming unions is tough. If employers neglect the government’s guidelines, can these workers truly refuse to work?

Effective enforcement of labor laws could have improved conditions during the heatwaves, but inspections have been woefully inadequate. A 2017 audit showed that less than 25% of registered factories are routinely checked. This lack of oversight leaves workers at risk without proper safeguards.

In a city like Delhi, where 60% of the population falls within the struggling 50 to 70% of the inequality pyramid, the response to the 2024 heatwaves has been lackluster. Between March and June 2024, there were 110 confirmed heatstroke deaths and over 40,000 suspected cases. Many more may have suffered from long-term health issues linked to heat that went unnoticed or misdiagnosed.

Experts argue that addressing such employment issues is crucial, especially in the context of rising temperatures. The World Health Organization warns that heat can exacerbate chronic health conditions and impact productivity. Investing in worker protections not only benefits individuals but can also strengthen the economy by fostering a healthier workforce.

In sum, improving working conditions is essential to uplift those affected by poverty and protect them from the impacts of severe weather. More robust enforcement of labor laws and a focus on the informal workforce can lead to better outcomes, especially as climate challenges intensify.

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