The Centre has made the biggest overhaul in the country's labour policy since independence. But ten major worker organisations in the country have already become vocal in opposition to this. After the central government announced the implementation of new labour codes on Friday, these organisations have alleged in a statement that this is nothing but deception and fraudulent reform. At the same time, they have called for massive protests across the country next Wednesday, demanding the immediate withdrawal of this law from the government.
The Modi government claims that these four new labour codes, which were approved by Parliament five years ago, and once they come into effect, the old complex rules of work will change, which were created during the British era, even before independence. As a result, foreign investors will be more interested in investing in this country, while workers' social security and minimum wage rights will become stronger.
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But worker organisations allege that in reality the law is putting more power in the hands of industry owners, which will make employment uncertain and reduce workers' security as well.
According to the new labour codes, organisations can now hire and lay off workers more easily. Earlier, in factories where government permission was required before layoffs, if there were 100 workers, that number has now been increased to 300. Organisations fear that this will put workers' future at greater risk. At the same time, opportunities have been kept to increase work shifts in factories. Permission has also been given to make women work night shifts, which has created concerns from various aspects, including their safety.
Besides the worker organisations, a section of businessmen is also not one hundred per cent happy with the new system. The Indian Association of Entrepreneurs has stated that if benefits like social security for workers increase, the operational costs of small and medium industries will increase tremendously. There is a risk of production being disrupted in various important sectors due to this. They have therefore demanded phased implementation of the new labour codes and transitional support from the government, that is, assistance in the pressure that will fall on them due to this change.
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However, not all worker organisations are against this reform. The BJP-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh has stated that after consultation on some issues, state governments should implement this quickly. The Centre's view is that the new four labour codes—coordinating minimum wages, industrial relations, social security and workplace safety—will further ensure the rights of working people.
But the opposing organisations allege—this law has been imposed ignoring workers' opinions. They have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of promoting corporate interests over the protection of workers' rights. The government's Labour Ministry has not yet made any comment on this allegation. From the way preparations for movements are going on across the country next week, it is clear that the mercury of controversy around the new labour codes is set to rise further across the country.
