Earning Livelihood and Living Conditions Impact of Daily Wages Coal Mine Workers as Temporary Migrants: A Case Study of Erst while FATA Region Pre and Post Covid-19 Era

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the earning and living conditions impact of daily wages coal mine workers working as temporary migrants in erstwhile FATA region Pre and Post Covid-19 era. The major objective was to find out the socio-economic and financial condition of these temporary migrants in erstwhile FATA region and their accessibility to health and safety facilities. The study was carried out by adopting qualitative research approach with a Case Study strategy. The data was collected from 200 participants (coal mine workers) through in-depth interviews. Qualitative data was then analyzed through thematic analysis technique by following Six-Steps Technique outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006). The findings of the data revealed that multiple elements of earning and living conditions impacts of daily wages coal mine workers and migrants such as:  housing, sanitation, working environment and health and safety facilities in the coal fields of erstwhile FATA region. The results further revealed that these dimensions of coal mine workers were not satisfactory. In addition, the availability of clean drinking water and enough water for other cleaning purposes, unsatisfactory housing, toilet facilities, low quality and lack of proper food and diseases caused by an unhygienic environment. Coal workers complained of unfair attitudes of managerial staff who dealt with them in a harsh and humiliating manner. Moreover, it was also revealed that there were poor health and safety facilities for coal mine workers. The lack of a first aid kit and provision of necessary tools for digging were not available in the majority of mines. Miners have to bring their own face mask and safety boots. They have no equipment to cope with emergencies or hazardous situation. Many coal workers had no knowledge about their rights and yet unable to access free legal assistance from the government. This study recommended that government Mining Department(s) should implement Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mining Act in true spirit and should also put forward policies to impart basic safety training and awareness of coal mine workers. The study further recommends that health and safety facilities should be ensured in each coal mine that must also be monitored, inspected, and reported frequently to concerned government department(s).

Keywords: Living conditions, daily wages, coal mines workers, and migrants, Pre and Post Covid-19.