The 90-Hour Work Week Debate in Mumbai
The ongoing discussion about a potential 90-hour work week has highlighted various sectors where workers endure long hours. Professions like police, IT, healthcare, security, trucking, and entertainment often demand extensive commitments, with many employees working shifts of 12 hours or more.
Challenges Faced by Police Officers
A senior police officer in Central Mumbai noted, “Our duties typically require at least 12 hours. We can’t complain since everyone in the department is in the same situation. The job offers no holidays or family time, and it’s a public service. It’s inappropriate for companies to exploit their workers.” He emphasized the difficulties faced by policewomen, especially those balancing work and family responsibilities.
Nurses: Overworked and Underpaid
Nurses in both private and public hospitals are no exception, often working 12-hour shifts with inadequate pay. Subhashish Shinde from the Maharashtra State Nurses Union highlighted the issue: “Nursing is a demanding job with low salaries, and hospital understaffing leads to overwork.” Many nurses earn as little as Rs 20,000 and deal with high-stress situations daily.
The Life of Truckers
Truckers, such as Baljinder Singh Sandhu from Sandhu Roadlines, spend their careers on the road. Long journeys to places like Punjab can take four days, making personal lives challenging. They often sacrifice family time, working relentlessly even while managing their primary responsibilities.
Entertainment Sector Workers’ Rights
In the entertainment industry, workers face similar struggles. B.N. Tiwari, president of FWICE, strongly opposes the idea of extended work hours: “Labor laws stipulate a maximum of eight hours without consent, and any overtime should be compensated fairly.” The effort to secure rights for industry professionals continues to be an uphill battle.
The Struggles of Security Personnel
Security workers, like Chand Kishore in Andheri West, often work 12-hour shifts without sufficient pay. “My life is tough; I work every day without breaks, dealing with minimal social interaction,” he shared, noting that even missing a single day can result in lost wages.
The Hard Work of Fishermen and Women
Fishermen and laborers face arduous conditions at sea. Devendra Tandel, president of the Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti, described the intense nature of their work, especially during peak seasons. However, he added that fishermen generally enjoy a good work-life balance during off-seasons by spending extended time with their families.
Fisherwomen typically begin their day at dawn, often working until late evening. They play a crucial role in the fish trade, selling their catches at markets throughout Mumbai. Tandel concluded, “While all workers exert effort, those in corporate settings often lack the same balance in their lives.” This comparison underscores the disparities in work conditions across different sectors.
