A recent annual report by the Safe In India Foundation (SII) sheds light on concerning working conditions in the Indian auto sector, particularly for women. The 5th 'CRUSHED' report emphasises the challenges faced by women workers, revealing alarming accounts of injuries, inadequate safety measures, and gender disparities. The auto sector contributes to 7.1 per cent of India’s GDP and employs about 3.7 million people. SII stated that in Haryana and Maharashtra alone, thousands of crushing injuries to workers, both men and women, continue to occur in the auto sector supply chain each year.
Challenges Faced By Women Workers
In Faridabad, Haryana, women workers outlined critical issues in the auto industry, including a high risk of injury, intense production pressure, the absence of ESIC cards, and lower salaries than their male counterparts. In a letter to the auto sector brands, these women stress the necessity of working for their families while advocating for equal working conditions. “Despite these hardships, working is a necessity for thousands of women like us so that we can provide good education and upbringing to our children, and also, our safety should be prioritised to reduce the risk of injuries. We request you understand our problems and ensure at least equal working conditions for women and men in the workplace,” the letter said.
Injuries In The Auto Sector Supply Chain
On September 23, SII conducted a focused group discussion with 22 injured women workers operating power press machines in Faridabad. Unskilled helpers, operating machines beyond their expertise, account for almost a quarter of crushing injuries. The consequences of injuries for women were reported to be disproportionately higher, with threats of job loss for those advocating preventive measures or seeking rightful documentation. “Many women find themselves without jobs after getting injured,” the report said. “Several who have been given jobs are threatened with firing if they advocate new methods to prevent accidents or ask for documentation to get pensions and other funds due to them.”
Calls For Change
The auto sector, contributing significantly to India's GDP, faces a pressing issue of underreported accidents and injuries. SII urges for more accurate data collection, transparency, and accountability, emphasizing the need for government intervention and a focus on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) labour codes. The report concludes with a plea for incorporating suggested improvements in committees and labour codes to foster responsible 'Make in India' practices.
*Images for representational purposes only