As the Indian labour platform evolves, the need for a reworking of our labour laws only becomes more of a necessity. An article on YourStory in reference to this train of thought, accurately says, “The laws must not stifle innovation but must certainly prevent exploitation.” Which is why, although the Supreme Court’s latest order in regards to labour laws is but a small step to the rest of Mumbai’s citizens, it is a major victory for 2,700 sanitation workers in Mumbai.

These workers were previously forced to work on short-term contracts for the past 10 to 20 years, says a Scroll report. The Supreme Court has now entitled these very workers to permanent jobs with the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. In addition, as compensation for their lack of action over the last 10 years, the court will hand the workers two years worth of payment which nearly amounts to 2.5 lakhs, per worker. These workers can now claim their weekly offs and medical leave, without worrying about their salaries getting cut.

Milind Ranade, general secretary of the Kachra Vahatuk Shramik Sangh (KVSS), a union dedicated towards bringing unorganized workers to a common platform, with equal rights, said, “This is a double victory — not just for these 2,700 workers but for contract workers in general. At a time when the country’s labour laws are under threat and when employers have the right to sack contract workers for joining a union, this judgement will boost the morale of those working under contracts.”

Although there are still over 35,000 sanitation workers employed by Mumbai’s civic body; of whom several are still employed under a contract system that exploits them. Poor work conditions affect these workers grievously. Yet, the KVSS has not demanded for the abolishment of the contract system, as thousands of workers could potentially lose their jobs at once.

A permanent job for these workers affects them in more ways than we could understand — take for example sanitation worker Kailash Kale, for whom a permanent job means he can finally send his three children to English-medium schools. This single judgement will change the lives of these current workers, and in the future, will aid in gaining favourable orders from the court.