Who are Blue- and Grey-Collar Women Employees?

 Blue- and Grey-Collar Women Employees

Who are they?

• Blue-collar workers: Typically engage in manual labor or skilled trades (e.g., factory workers, drivers, plumbers).

• Grey-collar workers: Occupy roles between blue- and white-collar jobs, often in services (e.g., healthcare aides, retail staff, security, delivery personnel).

 Key Insights from the Article:

1. High Level of Dissatisfaction:

   • 54% of blue- and grey-collar women employees are unhappy with their current pay.

2. Low Income Barrier:

   • Nearly 80% earn less than ₹20,000/month, making it difficult to cover essential living costs, which discourages continued or new employment.

3. Limited Earnings Potential:

   • Only 21% earn more than ₹25,000/month.

4. Higher Entry Costs for Women:

   • Women often incur additional costs (transport, childcare), making low-paying jobs less viable for them.

5. Gender Bias in Hiring:

   • Women make up only 27% of job interviews, showing that bias in recruitment further limits their opportunities.

6. Lack of Benefits:

   • Many of these women are excluded from social security and retirement benefits, unlike their male counterparts or white-collar peers.

7. Sectors with Promise:

   • Fields like IT, manufacturing, staffing, and healthcare offer better pay and growth for women in these roles.

 Conclusion:

Blue- and grey-collar women employees face systemic wage inequality, hiring bias, and lack of social protection. The government’s move toward a living wage policy could help bring more of these women into formal employment, improving their livelihoods and contributing to inclusive economic growth.