Much more than a ride to the airport…

Alfred Marshall wrote the Principles of Economics in 1890. In it, he defines economics as 'a study of mankind in the ordinary business of life'. Here is one such experience during a ride to the airport.

It was time to return to Chennai. I called an Uber cab to get to the airport.

The cab wasn’t in good condition, and the driving was hurried. I had to ask him what was on his mind.

He said he had worked a night shift, dropping the weekend partygoers. Then, he got his rented car serviced. He was sleepy, and after dropping us off at the airport, he was going to head home.

I knew I had to continue the conversation. I couldn’t afford him to fall asleep at the wheel.

I was also interested in knowing about his daily routine and life.

So, the exchange began. He spoke in Marathi, which I have loosely translated below. He didn’t ask, and I didn’t reveal my education or work.

Me - do you get enough rides at night?

Vishal - yes, yes, no problem. Lots of young people in IT and all...partying over weekends.

Me – Oh, okay. How did you land in this profession?

Vishal - There are no jobs for us in the market right now. We have education but not much. Most jobs are for well educated…IT and all

Me -  hmm..what kind of jobs were there earlier?

Vishal – you know, previously, telecom companies had call center jobs, acquiring customers for different plans, etc. Also, factories needed workers. Now, a robot does 90 people’s work.

Me – yes...

Vishal – and robots don’t stop. Don’t take leaves. They don’t question. They don’t ask for a pay hike. They are reliable. Imagine how much better it is for the companies to employ them instead of people. Their cost is down big time.

Me – true

Vishal – Don’t know what the election result will be. But the government needs to do something about jobs. Politics has become dirty. They don’t care about ordinary people.

Me – have things worsened?

Vishal – Definitely for people like us. Previously two good meals weren’t a problem. After the pandemic, the prices have risen.

Me – how much do you make in a month?

Vishal – see, I need to do 10 trips per day. 85 per week (I cannot recall exactly, but he mentioned 84-85) to qualify for the incentive. 25% Uber commission. 600 Rs per day car rent..then gas, maintenance etc.. after that all I get around 15-16000..that’s not much these days..

Me – and unpredictable…

Vishal – yes…things have worsened in the education system as well. If you are born into some castes, even 40% gets you admission into higher education..else 95% also won’t get you.

Vishal - how people drive and see the signals are not working and no police

He took the cab on the wrong side. I was worried a policeman will spring up, but he knew no one was around.

The car couldn’t restart. I am getting a big worried. He is calm. Trying to restart. He succeeds. For him such instances must be frequent.

Vishal – What time is your flight?

Me – 5.45 pm.

Vishal – oh..there is time.

We reach the airport. I thank him and pay via Google Pay

He instructs us to close the cab doors gently. He cannot afford any repairs.

We get down and walk into the crowded airport with mostly upper-middle-class passengers.

There are also many Vishals around.. housing keeping staff, loaders, shops and restaurant staff, quietly doing their work.

It reminds us that jobs in service industries tend to be at two extremes—high-skilled and low-skilled. Therefore, income inequality inevitably rises.

I do not know all data, but many manufacturing jobs without overtime pay less than what workers can earn in low-skilled service jobs.

The primary focus for policymakers should be bringing all people out of poverty.

However, rising inequality, if it originates because the incomes at the bottom end are stagnant, then it becomes an important issue to deal with.

The national election results will be out on June 4th. Similar to many previous governments, the key challenge remains quality job creation.