Many of these employers forgot — or preferred to ignore — the fact that the homes of many workers had been flooded.
Published Dec 06, 2023 | 6:09 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 06, 2023 | 6:09 PM
Two people finding their way through the waterlogged road.
The rain that incessantly lashed Chennai for three days and the accompanying howling wind drowned the voices of the less fortunate, who revealed a different face of some city residents.
Even as several individuals stepped in to help those in need, some others, from the warm confines of their homes, made domestic helps, including cooks, housekeepers, and drivers face nature’s fury by forcing them to work.
Many of these employers forgot — or preferred to ignore — the fact that the homes of several workers had been flooded. When empathy took a backseat, the workers waded through floodwaters to reach their places of work.
“My employer called me to work this morning. They offered to pay for my transportation. I explained that my house was flooded and I couldn’t make it. But they were unconvinced as a few other domestic helps had managed to reach the gated community,” said Usha, a cook in Velachery.
“I somehow reached the apartment. I’m here till evening, but I’m unsure how I’ll return home. I plan to request my employer to drop me off in their car so they can witness the situation at my house themselves. What’s the use of education and wealth if one can’t empathise with others,” she wondered while speaking to South First.
Mostly, domestic workers hail from specific areas in Chennai. Those working in places along the Old Mahabalipuram Road, or OMR — where IT companies and apartments are located — often come from Perumbakkam. So are those from Choolaimedu and Pulianthope, largely engaged in menial jobs.
“These areas are supply zones of domestic workers, who are employed in public sector units, banks, and even government institutions. However, these workers, mostly contractual or daily-wage labourers, face inadequate job protection, due to a ‘no work, no pay’ structure,” explained Raghul Baskar, joint secretary, the Bank of Baroda employees union, Tamil Nadu.
For Kanagavalli, a house help in Alwarpet, the situation was even more challenging. Her house was flooded, and she had to shift to a community hall along with her ailing father and children.
“I’m a mother of two. I can’t leave them unattended and go to work. Yet, I must find someone to care for them and figure out a way to reach work. This job is my livelihood, and I can’t afford to lose it,” she echoed the sentiments of many blue-collar workers.
“I don’t understand why they expect me to work. Their street was flooded yesterday and water has receded now, and they anticipate that everything has returned to normalcy everywhere. However, I live in Tambaram, and even getting a bus is difficult. Autos are charging triple the regular fare,” she told South First.
“These workers typically earn ₹250 to ₹350 a day, without any formal employment documentation or records,” Raghul Baskar provided context.
Balaji Sakthivel and Antony Raja, both security guards at a high-rise apartment in Purasaiwalkam, sat in their metal cabins for two days as the cyclone whipped the city.
“Enge kudumbatha vitutu, indha veetuku kavala irundhom (We were guarding this house, leaving our families somewhere). The least they can do is ensure they give us a day’s break so that we can take care of our families. We knew that our houses were flooded only when we reached home. My wife somehow managed to take our children and parents to a high-rise building in the neighbourhood,” Sakthivel told South First.
Both men have demanding working conditions, no weekend offs, and no job security.
“They have no choice but to continue working, even amid personal losses. Areas like Pulianthope and Perumbakkam, where these workers reside, are significantly affected by floods and heavy rains. Amid these challenges, individuals are compelled to reach their workplaces. Some walked long distances due to transportation issues,” detailed Baskar.
“Their financial condition plays a significant role in forcing these individuals to work,” he added.
Balaji and Antony were facing a dire situation at their house in the flooded Perambur.
“How can I leave my family behind and venture out for work,” Antony asked. “But it seems like we have no choice. I cannot afford to lose my job. Kudumbatha kapathanume (I have to care for the family),” he said, his voice struggling to be heard amid the city’s intermittent network issues.
“Job insecurity and lack of protection prevail, as labour laws fail to safeguard their interests. Their salaries often rely on a strict five-day schedule with no pay for weekends,” Baskar added.
Mercy Ponnama of Perumbakkam was disappointed with her employers’ lack of understanding.
“They live in buildings equipped with an ATM, 24-hour power supply, a shop, and all necessities. Their needs are readily fulfilled. I’m taken aback by their lack of empathy towards what’s happening outside. There’s a world beyond their immediate environment. I refuse to return and work there. Vela seyyara edathle mariyadhai irukanum (There should be respect in the workplace),” she told South First.
“What’s appalling is their belief that I am lying. I’ve never taken unnecessary leaves,” she added.
“I have been here with my family for the past two days. The ground floor is full. I see strangers helping each other out in this time of need. I wish those who see us every day, our employers, too, have the same concern,” she hoped.
Arumugan, a 25-year-old night shift security guard, is currently actively involved in volunteering within his neighbourhood in Maduravayol, alongside a group of friends, providing assistance using boats.
“We have pregnant women and elderly people here. The water hasn’t receded for two days, and there’s no access to power or drinking water. Why should I leave this essential work and go guard a house that is fully functional with all necessities? It’s time for both us and employers to understand what’s truly important,” he asserted.
“I don’t care if I lose my job. I know my priorities, and I’ll manage,” he added.
Selvi* and Kannabiran*, a couple working as cooks, mentioned that their employers didn’t call them, but they went to work.
“They’ll deduct a day’s salary if we don’t work. Our house has suffered significant damage due to the flooding. We can’t afford to lose even a penny,” she said.
The absence of job security has made many fear losing their income if they took leave, resulting in a continuous struggle without any assurance of having a job, informed Baskar.
“The fundamental issues of job insecurity and lack of protection pose significant challenges for these workers,” he noted.
The people interviewed by South First were still awaiting assistance. They were uncertain about when the flood situation would improve. They aspire to work where empathy, kindness, and better conditions prevail.
(Some names have been changed to protect the identity of individuals*)
