Explore the intricate relationship between labour law, climate change, and the evolving job market, with a focus on South Asian countries like India. Delve into the challenges, shifts, and potential positive impacts for workers in the face of technological advancements and environmental changes.
CLIAMTE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACT ON LABOUR MARKET
“Is the impact only negative or their exists a silver lining for few countries”
Introduction:
The world is changing rapidly, and so is the labour market. The advancement of technology, globalization, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have led to a significant shift in the labour industry. These changes can have a significant impact on the economies of many countries, including South Asian countries like India. In this blog, we will discuss the impact of change on labour issues and the labour market, particularly in India.[1]
Impact on Labour Issues:
The impact of climate change on labour issues has been widely discussed in recent years. With the ongoing digitalization and automation of jobs and processes, many worry that job losses will occur in various industries. This issue has been a significant concern in countries like India, where the majority of the population is unskilled and low-skilled labourers. The lack of skills and experience makes it hard for these workers to find new jobs and be competitive in the labour market.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified these issues as governments implement lockdowns and social distancing measures to contain the virus’s spread. The pandemic has led to the closure of many businesses and industries, which has increased unemployment rates. While many workers were furloughed initially, the pandemic’s prolonged effect has forced many employers to make tough decisions, leading to layoffs.[2]
Impact on Labour Market:
The impact of change on the labour market can also be seen through the shift towards the gig economy. With technological advancements, the labour market has become more flexible, enabling workers to take up short-term or freelance work. This type of work arrangement is particularly common in the transportation and delivery industry, where services like Uber, Lyft, and Door Dash provide employment opportunities.
The gig economy has also led to the rise of digital platforms that connect workers to employers. These platforms provide an easy way for workers to find work and allow employers to hire on-demand, reducing the need for a traditional workforce. However, this shift towards the gig economy has its drawbacks, as many workers do not receive the same benefits and job security as traditional employees.
Impact on South Asian Countries like India:
The impact of change on labour issues and the labour market is particularly significant in South Asian countries like India. The country is home to the world’s largest workforce, with over 500 million workers. However, a significant portion of this workforce is unskilled, making them vulnerable to job losses and wage cuts.
The digitization and automation of jobs have also impacted the Indian economy. Many traditional industries like textile manufacturing, which employed millions of workers, have been automated, leading to a decrease in jobs. As a result, the government has focused on developing skill-based industries like technology and services, which require a more skilled workforce.
The shift towards the gig economy has also impacted India, with gig work becoming an increasing source of employment for many workers. However, the gig economy does not provide the same benefits and job security as traditional employment, leading to concerns about worker exploitation.[3]
Positive Impact of Change:
While the impact of change on labour issues and the labour market is a concern, it also has its positive outcomes. The digitization of jobs and processes has led to increased productivity and efficiency, which can lead to economic growth. The shift towards a more skilled workforce can also lead to higher wages and better working conditions for workers, improving their quality of life.
The gig economy can also provide opportunities for workers who may have difficulty finding traditional employment. It also provides businesses with flexibility and cost savings, enabling them to operate without the burden of full-time employment. Furthermore, the shift towards digital platforms can lead to greater transparency and accountability in the labour market.
Climate change has also led to an increase in jobs like anti – climate change infrastructure like sea walls in Netherlands and land – reclamation projects like that in South-East Asian countries. In countries like Russia where more and more land is now available for farming and for other economic industries, for the first time in human history the prospects are very positive. Russia is building a flee of ports along its Northern coast line so that it can exploit the route which is even shorter than that of Suez Canal.[4]
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the impact of change on labour issues and the labour market is a complex issue, with both positive and negative outcomes. South Asian countries like India are particularly vulnerable to change due to their high populations of unskilled workers. However, with proper government policies and initiatives to develop a more skilled workforce, the negative impacts of change can be mitigated. The shift towards the gig economy and digital platforms can also provide opportunities for workers and businesses [5]
[1] https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/labour-migration/climate-change/green-jobs/lang–en/index.htm
[2] https://www.undp.org/publications/climate-change-and-labor-impacts-heat-workplace
[3] https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/labour-migration/publications/WCMS_822838/lang–en/index.htm
[4] https://www.theb1m.com/video/russia-arctic-sea-route-megaport-rosneft#:~:text=The%20idea%20is%20to%20significantly,covering%20the%20sea%20could%20eventually
[5] https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/articles/the-impact-of-the-gig-economy/
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