Our work with the bonded laborers gave us new insights into the problems of the unorganized workers. They did not have any statutory provision to protect their causes. Their immediate need was ‘right to work’ which will guarantee a regular employment and a decent wage to support their families.

Jeeva Jyothi is of the firm conviction that if the workers are given a decent wage, they will not be forced to send their children to work to earn additional income. The women folk could afford to have better health and a decent living. In our quest to build a just society, we decided to extend our reach to this target group of ‘unorganized workers’ also.

We mobilize the unorganized workers and encourage them to organize themselves to fight for their rights and to better their living and working conditions. Jeeva Jyothi works as a ‘catalyst’ by giving them the backing, infra structural facilities, training, human resources and links with other groups and organizations concerned with the unorganized.
The staff of Jeeva Jyothi also undergo training in ‘Trade Unions’, ‘Labour legislations’ and other legal issues.

Thus was born ‘Tamil Nadu Manual Workers’ Union’, a trade union exclusively for the unorganized workers run by and for the unorganized workers themselves. Efforts are under way to have links with similar organizations/ in the adjacent districts and to form a network.