The myth of ‘unskilled’ labour
This article argues that the label 'unskilled' is a systemic construct used to justify lower wages, poor safety standards, and wage theft among industrial and construction workers. It highlights that these workers perform complex tasks and face higher injury rates due to lack of proper training and equipment.
Why it matters
It challenges labor market classifications that perpetuate inequality and endanger the lives of vulnerable workers.
According to the Safe in India Foundation, unskilled workers earning under ₹8,000 a month in the automotive sector lost 2.27 fingers per accident on average in 2024 versus 1.54 fingers for skilled workers earning more than ₹20,000.
Earlier this year, thousands of industrial workers protested their stagnant wages across Noida and New Delhi . The Uttar Pradesh government responded by giving ‘unskilled’ workers an interim hike of ₹13,690 a month and ‘skilled’ workers ₹16,868, despite both groups facing the same inflation.
Based on assessing migrant labourers in Keralam’s construction and hospitality sectors, the International Institute of Migration and Development, Thiruvananthapuram, has estimated that ‘unskilled’ workers experienced 40% more wage theft than skilled workers. Factories often use the label ‘unskilled’ to justify withholding annual increments, health benefits, and safety training.
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