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 Labour
Crisis in Maldives
AO 12/05/2005-The
Maldives is facing a unique labour problem. Although labour
problems exist throughout the world, we are facing a rather
bizarre problem which would cause a disquiet even to the
modern day economist. The current economic model driven mostly
by the artificial growth of worthless paper currency along
with the western view of happiness based on sensual
gratification has turned the entire city of Male' into one
huge shopping arcade.The glut culture of consumerism
constantly push people to want the latest and newest thing and
mindless indulgence in foodstuffs .The behaviour of the local
Maldivians in the sai hotas in Male' exemplifies this shallow
and disgusting outlook of people. The importunate, persistent
and demanding behaviour of the locals requires an army of
obedient expatriate labourers who should be ready to accept
verbal assaults and foul language. Why expatriate labours, you
might ask ? There is also the other half of consumerism - the
cheap workers who should be ready to work like robots with
100% obedience . Since most locals are importunate, exhibit
this glut behaviour, and demand like a king, the servicing has
to be provided by slaves. It is unthinkable for kings to serve
kings. Unfortunately there is no official 'slave' class in our
population. In other words, it is impossible for Maldivians to
indulge like kings and also serve like slaves. So, the slavery
required to run the wheels of consumerism had to be imported
from overseas. Currently the expatriate labourers enjoy more
job security than the locals, is entitled to paid annual
leaves ,gets free medical allowances...etc. These rights are
protected by the law and are not available for the locals.
This is not due to any humanitarian issues. But the dual
forces of consumerism requires the expatriate workers rights
to be protected more than the locals. The businessmen need
them in order to work like animals and the excessively
indulgent Maldivian kings also need them in order to slave for
them. Additionally, the differences in exchange rate is one
more factor which exacerbates this issue.
As for Maldivian workers, their jobs are not even secure and
can be fired at any time. There is no proper employee contract
and are becoming unwanted in the job market. Surprisingly,
there are some businessmen who don't provide maintenance for
their children and yet has an army of these expatriate slaves.
This is because from a business point of view this slavery
(cost 100 $US) is far more worth than catering to one's own
children.
Source:
AdduOnline
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