Most of us think of Dignity of Labour as the type of work we do.
In western countries, it is normal to wait tables or work in a store to make extra money whereas in India, those things are considered sacrilege. Manual scavenging is banned in our country but every now and then we read reports in the newspaper of cleaners going into manholes to clean and dying of suffocation.
We should be thankful that we do our jobs in safe conditions.
But for people who work is white-collared jobs, the term Dignity of Labour assumes a different meaning. It has nothing to do with their work or place of work but rather, what their jobs are doing to them. I was recently reading a book where a high-powered executive spent 2000 dollars a month on psychiatrists, pills and fitness activities to manage workplace stress. Where is the dignity in putting up with that kind of toxicity just to draw a paycheck?
When we feel disrespected, taken for granted or are treated unfairly, we too lose a bit of our dignity. Over a period of time, this can corrode our confidence and ability to perform to the best of our abilities.
Dignity of Labour is a concept that applies to all of us.
