Footloose Labourers: Recognizing India’s Invisible Workforce
(NAILU – National Alliance of Independent Labour Unions)
Section 1: Who Are Footloose Labourers?
Footloose labourers are migrant, circular, casual, seasonal, and transient workers who are not tied to one trade, employer, or location. They move from one worksite to another - often across districts or states - in search of daily wages.
Where do they work?
Why are they vulnerable?
They lack permanent addresses, contracts, and social security coverage, making them invisible in national data and welfare systems.
“They move from one job to another, often across states, with no employment contract or social
safety net.”
Section 2: Challenges Faced by Footloose Labourers
Despite sustaining India’s economy, these workers face systemic neglect
No Job Security – constantly shifting employers, no contracts or benefits.
Poor Wages & Unsafe Conditions – long hours, frequent accidents, no compensation.
Exclusion from Laws & Welfare Boards – most remain outside unions and schemes.
Exploitation by Contractors – wage cuts, debt bondage, unfair practices.
Lack of Housing & Food Security – no stable accommodation, ration benefits often
denied.
No Portability of Entitlements – benefits like PDS, healthcare don’t travel across states.
Gendered Vulnerabilities – women face wage discrimination, unsafe worksites; children
lose schooling.
Section 3: NAILU’s Response
NAILU works at the grassroots to organize, empower, and advocate for footloose labourers bridging the gap between invisible workers and protective systems.
Key Interventions
*Mapping & documentation of migrant workers.
*Forming local collectives and unions for collective bargaining.
*Advocacy for One Nation One Ration Card and inclusion in e- Shram.
*Legal aid and grievance redress for wage theft and exploitation.
*Safety training and awareness drives.
*Policy dialogue with labour boards and state governments.
Impact Highlights
*Pilot campaigns helped thousands secure welfare cards and food rations.
*Mobile legal clinics resolved wage disputes and accident claims for 200+ workers.
Section 4: Voices from the Ground
Section 5: Our Demands
NAILU urges governments and society to ensure recognition, rights, and dignity for footloose workers.
Our Key Policy Demands
Universal registration & portable ID for all informal workers.
National welfare framework: health, pension, accident benefits.
Portability of entitlements: ration, health, education benefits across states.
Strengthen the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act for modern mobility realities.
Include worker representatives in welfare boards and policy forums.
