Free Women Movement asks why no formula to determine livable wage

By Saman  Indrajith

Women bear the brunt of the current economic crisis, Dilka Surangani, a national committee member of the Free Women Movement says.Surangani said due to the current economic crisis, a large number of children are already shifting to informal work.

“People are also angry because they can’t figure out how to make ends meet. Instances of domestic violence have increased because of this,” she said.

Surangani indicated that the estate sector, garment, and overseas-based workers, who make up the bulk of foreign remittances to the country, are dominated by women.

“Women play a big role in keeping the economy going. So, we urge them to play a bigger role in ensuring that the benefit of their work is enjoyed by the society as a whole,” she said.

Surangani said that women should come forth to demand that the government and employers give them a salary that can at least cover their basic needs.

.The Free Women Movement activist pointed out that inflation is at 60% and the Central Bank Governor has warned it might climb to 65% in the future. “Since the government has formulas for practically everything, why not a formula for salaries, too?” she demanded.

“The government also needs to expand the social safety net and to take steps for people to do more productive work. A lot of people assume Sri Lankans don’t work enough. That’s not true, people work hard but most work isn’t just very productive,” she said.