"Workers' Rights, Human Rights" — Know your rights
This handbook is a small effort to make Indian workers aware of their basic rights, social security, labour laws and emergency support in simple language. Many workers still do not know what their minimum wage is, what PF/ESI is, why an appointment letter is important, how to get compensation for an accident, or what their legal rights are.
A worker is a person who earns a livelihood in exchange for their own labour.
Law: Code on Wages, 2019. Every worker must be paid the prescribed Minimum Wage.
Law: Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. Benefits: drinking water, toilet, rest room, safety equipment, light and ventilation.
Without an appointment letter there is no proof of employment, PF/ESI problems arise, and compensation becomes difficult.
Every worker must carry an identity card issued by the employer.
Male and female workers must receive equal pay for equal work.
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation — a future savings scheme for workers.
Retirement fund, pension, emergency withdrawal, death benefit.
Obtain your UAN number and check your PF passbook regularly.
Employees' State Insurance Corporation — health protection scheme for workers.
Free treatment, medicine, hospital, accident benefit, maternity benefit.
Unorganised workers.
National database, insurance cover, access to future government schemes.
BSSU Worker Helpline provides legal support, PF/ESI help, accident support and social security help. Call +91 70032 66962 any time.
A single worker may be weak, but an organised workforce is the power of change.
"I am a worker.
I will know my rights,
I will make other workers aware,
I will stay united,
And I will struggle to live with dignity."