Question

Economists say that if casualisation increases the earning of the people, such phenomenon should be welcomed. Suppose a marginal farmer becomes a full-time agricultural labourer, do you think he will be happy even if he earns more in his daily wage work? Or will a permanent and regular worker of the pharmaceutical industry be happy if he becomes a daily wage labourer, even if his or her overall earnings increase? Discuss in the classroom.

Answer 1

No, higher earnings alone may not make a worker happy if casualisation reduces job security and other employment benefits. A marginal farmer who becomes a full-time agricultural labourer may earn more per day, but the work may be seasonal and uncertain. He may not get work throughout the year and may lose the independence of working on his own farm. Similarly, a permanent drug worker may earn more than a daily-wage labourer, but he may lose benefits such as a regular salary, paid leave, provident fund, pension, medical benefits, and job security. He may also be dismissed easily when work is not available. Therefore, casualisation may increase immediate earnings in some cases, but it can also create uncertainty, irregular employment and insecurity. A good job should provide not only higher income but also regular employment, job security, decent working conditions and social security benefits.