Various labour unions in India have announced a country-wide protest against recently implemented labour laws, calling them a blatant assault on workers’ rights.  Ten major trade unions have described the four new labour codes enacted by the Modi government as a betrayal of workers and demanded their immediate repeal. The nationwide protest is scheduled for Wednesday, November 26. These unions have consistently opposed the laws consistently over the past five years.   

The four labour codes—Wage Code, Industrial Relations Code, Social Security Code and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code—were passed by the Indian parliament five years ago. Unions argue that the laws prioritise corporate interests over workers’ welfare, granting companies unrestricted powers to dismiss employees and allowing women to work 12-hour shifts, including night shifts, posing serious risks to health and social security. 

Ten central trade unions, including CITU, HMS, AITUC, SEWA, and LPF, said in a joint statement that despite multiple nationwide strikes over the past five years, the government has not met any of their demands. They warned that forcibly imposing these laws amounts to a direct attack on workers’ rights. The Association of Indian Entrepreneurs, representing small and medium-sized businesses, also expressed concerns that the new laws could significantly increase costs and disrupt operations in several sectors. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)