Monday, August 26, 2013

Discrimination should end An Interview with Dr. M.H.Ilias (Associate Professor, India-Arab Cultural Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia)

The history of union activism in West Asia dates back to the 1920s. How do you see the evolution of trade unions in this region?
A. We have different phases of evolution in West Asia that was quite parallel to re-emergence of different interrelated movements. In the 1950s, all these movements were patronised by the State, especially in Egypt and Iraq. In the 1980s and the 1990s, these were replaced by Islamic movements. With globalisation of economies and liberalisation of polities, new forces became the social base of the state. The state could not mediate between the conflicts of market forces and society, thus a need for voice of the masses was felt. Labour forces, patronised by the state, could not fill up this void and automatically the Islamic movement came to the forefront.

Q. Is there a need for reform in the labour laws in West Asia?
A. There is discrimination among national communities and labours from different nationalities. There is inequality in compensation structure and living conditions. Therefore, a serious look is needed to mend the situation. Click here to read full interview...

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