Workplace Killing in the Face of Economic Uncertainty

Reaction to the global economic woes of our time apparently has no boundaries. We are all feeling a tension which only intensifies when thrust into difficult workplace situations. But it's rare that workplace violence leads to murder. It may have been the case in India yesterday when a mob of angry workers at an Italy-based company allegedly attacked and killed the company CEO. Talks between management and workers had soured.

According to published reports, those involved in the attack had been let go after demanding more money.The story made headlines around the world, but a gander at the Indian press revealed an incredible response by that country's labor minister. Oscar Fernandez said the "murder" should serve as a "warning" to other corporations.

Here's a portion of the article from Indianexpress.com:

        “Workers react violently when they lose their jobs,” the Minister said, adding, “At the same time, managements have their problems also. But what I am saying is that the whole issue should be viewed with compassion. I appeal to companies to treat workers’ problems with compassion.”

This was a very bold statement to make when you consider the amount of multi-national corporations headquartered in Noida, a suburb of New Delhi. The money invested there is astronomical and it could be argued that the labor laws are not on par with the United States. Especially in the wake of this deadly incident. Fernandes was lambasted by a number of highly placed politicians for the remarks. Many said it was he who lacked compassion for the family of the victim.

It's a frightening to think that a human life would be taken in a monstrous reaction to unfair working conditions.  But one wonders if others could be moved to such drastic measures. I suspect employers in that region will start paying more attention to the concerns of their employees.

Disgruntled workers in a time of economic uncertainty are like ticking time bombs.  Whether workers implode due to burnout or they explode in retaliation, there's clearly a problem surfacing. Could such violence be a harbinger of things to come as the economy flounders? That to me, is even more frightening.