As the country grapples with rising religious polarization, the central government has quietly introduced a new labour code, drawing sharp criticism from worker organizations.

CITU leader and former minister Manik De told reporters that the legislation undermines workers’ rights while public attention remains elsewhere.

The official notification outlines several major changes to India’s labour laws. According to Manik De, the new code allows employers to close factories or lay off large numbers of employees without prior government approval. Worker groups warn this could increase job insecurity and make layoffs easier.

The legislation also mandates that employees provide 14 days’ notice before going on strike. Any immediate protest, even in response to workplace accidents or injustice, could now be deemed illegal. “Even collective leave could be treated as an illegal strike,” Manik De said, adding that this severely restricts workers’ right to protest.

The new code permits up to 12 hours of work per day, up from the previous 8-hour limit. Worker representatives argue this could lead to heightened pressure and more exploitative conditions.

Regarding female workers, the code allows night shifts between 10 PM and 6 AM, with the government assuring safety measures. However, unions and social organizations caution that if women’s safety cannot be guaranteed during the day, night work protections are largely symbolic.

Manik De described the labour code as favoring corporate interests over worker welfare, warning it could reduce India’s workforce to “modern-day slaves.” He accused the central government of acting against workers’ interests.

Since its implementation, trade unions, human rights groups, and labour organizations have called for nationwide protests. Manik De urged widespread resistance against what he termed a “pro-corporate, anti-worker” law.