The recent heavy snowfall brought life to a halt, testing both the resilience of the administration and the people. Yet, in this adversity, a remarkable effort was made to restore normalcy. Linemen perched on electric poles in biting cold to restore electricity, municipal workers cleared roads to ensure safe passage, and policemen rescued stranded passengers. These unsung heroes, often working behind the scenes, deserve our deepest gratitude.
While their dedication is commendable, among these heroes are daily wagers and contractual employees who, despite their significant contributions, continue to face uncertainty in their jobs. These workers play an indispensable role in keeping essential services running, especially during crises, yet they remain stuck in a cycle of temporary employment with little to no job security or benefits.
The need to regularize these workers has never been more urgent. Their efforts during the snowfall highlighted their unwavering commitment, often at great personal risk, to serve the public. Despite working under the same conditions as permanent employees, they are denied the basic security and benefits that their contributions warrant. This disparity is not just unfair but also detrimental to the overall efficiency of the system.
A workforce that feels secure is a motivated workforce. Regularizing daily wagers and contractual employees will not only improve their morale but also enhance service delivery during emergencies. Many of these workers have years of experience and expertise. Ensuring their job stability would help retain their skills within the system, creating a more robust and reliable workforce.
The administration’s commendable efforts to restore normalcy after the snowfall must extend to recognizing and valuing the contributions of daily wagers. Verbal appreciation is not enough; tangible actions, such as regularization, fair wages, medical insurance, and other benefits, are essential to ensuring their dignity and security.
It is time to move beyond temporary measures and create a system that respects and values those who labor tirelessly for our comfort and safety. Daily wagers and contractual employees are the backbone of our resilience, and their stability is key to effective governance. Recognizing their worth and addressing their concerns is not just a policy decision—it is a moral obligation. Let us ensure they receive the justice and respect they so deeply deserve.
