The amendment will also curb the system of a few trade unions claiming the right to 'supply' labourers. Any attempt to demand wages for work not done will be considered unlawful: File photoThiruvananthapuram: The news that entire Kerala was waiting to hear, a total ban on gawking charges (‘Nokku kooli’), has been announced.
From May Day, the dreaded system will become a punishable offence. The governor has already signed the amendment to the sub sections I and II of the Kerala Headload Worker's Act in this regard.
The order seeks to end the unhealthy practices in the head-loading sector and improve the working conditions.
The amendment will also curb the system of a few trade unions claiming the right to 'supply' labourers. Any attempt to demand wages for work not done will be considered unlawful.
The labour department issued the order also based on the outcome of the talks held by the chief minister with the trade union leaders on March 8.
The order comes against the background of the realization that tendencies like demanding wages for work not carried out were harming the comprehensive development of the state.
From now on, wages for head-load work must be charged based on the table prepared by the respective labour officers. Payment for items not included in the table should be based on mutual contract.
The employers can appoint workers of their choice to load or unload items which have been exempted from the head-load workers’ Act. These items include household articles and agriculture-related materials. In case, recognised trade union members are employed, they should be paid wages fixed for the particular area.
The head-load workers should mandatorily carry the identity card issued by the labour department or head-load workers’ welfare board during duty time.
The employer should be given receipts for the wages signed by the pool leader or convener. In case excess wages are collected, assistant labour officers or district labour officers should ensure that the difference is refunded. The welfare fund board may be involved in the matter. Revenue recovery can also be resorted to, says the order.
The amended rule says that workers have no right to threaten the employer or his representative demanding higher wages. The workers cannot also insist on working in a particular area. They cannot cause damage to property or create other hurdles for work.
Whenever disputes occur, the district labour officer should take a decision based on the Kerala Headload Workers Act and inform the opposing parties. If the situation demands, the help of the police shall be sought.
With the co-operation of the trade unions, the unhealthy practices in the loading – unloading sector will be curbed.
District labour officers will publish the wages for the particular district in the media.
Labour minister P P Ramakrishnan had announced in the assembly that non-bailable case will be registered for charging gawking wages.
“Instances of excess wages being collected can be informed to the labour department. The registration card of the worker involved will be cancelled,” the minister said.
In case of complaints regarding gawking charges, public can reach out for help at the toll free numbers 155214,18004255214. The grievances will be attended to immediately by the concerned officers at the Labour Commissionerate. District level helplines are also being considered.
