Government’s landmark labour codes promise welfare, but trade unions call it a pressure in the name of transparency and equality.
New Delhi, November 23: On Friday, November 21, the Central Government of India announced the implementation of four new labour codes which will replace 29 long-standing central labour laws. These four codes are the Industrial Relations Code, the Code on Wages, the Code on Social Security, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code. According to the government, these new laws will redefine rights, workplace conditions, and welfare for millions of workers. The Labour Ministry called it a historic move towards a “future-ready workforce,” claiming that it makes India’s labour ecosystem ready for the changing dimensions of global work.
Decoding Government’s Modern, Inclusive Labour Rules
As per the official announcement, the new codes include several progressive provisions:
- Gender-neutral pay prohibits discrimination and allows women to work in all sectors including night shifts, mining, and heavy machinery work.
- These include written consent, double overtime wages, secure transportation, and mandatory women’s representation in workplace grievance committees.
- The codes also redefine the family structure for female employees, including parents-in-law under dependents.
- For workers above 40, free annual health check-ups will now become mandatory.
- Under the Code on Social Security, companies such as food-delivery or ride-hailing aggregators must contribute 1–2% of their annual turnover toward welfare funds for gig workers. All workers will be eligible for schemes such as PF, ESIC, etc.
- Government-determined minimum wages will be universally guaranteed.
- Even digital workers, journalists in electronic media, dubbing artists, and stunt performers are included under benefit provisions.
Global bodies like the International Social Security Organisation (ISSA), Geneva, have welcomed the initiative, calling it a boost toward a more inclusive social welfare mechanism.
Labour Unions See A Different Story
But India’s major central trade unions have called the codes a “deceptive fraud” against workers. A coalition of ten national unions including AITUC, CITU, HMS, SEWA, INTUC, and others has announced a nationwide protest against the code implementation on November 26.
They argue the government “unilaterally enforced” the codes despite sustained dissent.
A Question On Women’s Safety
One of the major concerns is the permission granted for women to work night shifts and in hazardous sectors. AITUC General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur cautioned, “Who will ensure their safety?”
Unions believe that in the name of equality, the government is gradually pushing women into unsafe workforce situations.
Beginning Of A Fight
The unions have highlighted that rising inflation, deepening unemployment, stagnant wages, and weak manufacturing could increase worker vulnerability.
They demand broader EPF/ESI coverage, higher minimum pensions, and better auditing of government schemes. They want job-creation plans rather than mere policy-making.
Protests will begin on a small scale from Monday but will grow until November 26.
The whole country’s eyes are on the situation, and November 26 will determine the depth of trust between the government and the labourers.
Also Read | Four Labour Codes Effective: 29 Old Laws Replaced, New Rights for 500 Million Workers
