The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) staged a strong protest today, condemning the newly implemented labour codes, which they described as “draconian” and anti-worker. 

Workers and supporters marched through various parts of the city, voicing their opposition to the central government’s policies.

Addressing the rally, Manik De, the state committee president, launched a sharp attack on the central government. He alleged that the new labour laws are entirely anti-worker and have been designed to strip labourers and working-class people of their rights. According to him, the central government enforced the new labour codes on November 21, prioritizing corporate interests over workers’ welfare.

De further claimed that nearly 90 percent of the country’s population will remain outside the purview of these laws, making them detrimental to the unemployed, the elderly, and farmers. He argued that, following widespread farmers’ protests across the country, the government scrapped 29 existing labour laws and replaced them with four “anti-labour” codes.

He also stated that the new codes allow corporations to extend the mandatory work hours from 8 to 12 hours and make provisions related to PF, gratuity, and other social security measures uncertain. CITU demanded the immediate withdrawal of the labour codes. Failing that, they warned of launching a larger nationwide movement in the coming days.