Coupla days back, I met a guy re-painting a building and I was scared of his lack of safety measures. Today, I was able to talk to another guy doing the same job and here is an excerpt from my talk with him. First, let me introduce him to you all.
I forgot to ask his name, sorry about that. He is from Bihar (INDIA) and have come to Pune about 4 years ago. Currently, he makes an income of about Rs. 5000 to Rs. 6000 per month (that is about $111 to $133 per month). He does only painting and repainting of building. He says that his condition is because of his lack of education. He laments that he was not able to get proper education as his parents were poor.
Me — Are you not afraid of dangling through a single rope and a wooden Plank?
Painter — What can I do? I earn my living by painting and re-painting buildings. The contractors don’t give us enough resources for safety more than this.
Me — Where are you from?
Painter — Bihar.
Me — How much do you earn per month?
Painter — Closely between Rs. 5000 to Rs. 6000 on normal work hours. Extra hours can earn me coupla thousands more.
Me — How long have you been working?
Painter — For about 4 years ever since I came here after leaving Bihar.
Then he went on to says, “Sir, you’re lucky. You are educated. My parents were poor and could not get education. That is why I have to do this today.” Before I could talk further, ask him more questions, he was already down 2 more floors continuing his work, painting the building clean (perhaps for the approaching Christmass/New Year).
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