Indian Trade Unions Stage Nationwide Protests Against New Labor Codes
Indian Trade Unions Stage Nationwide Protests Against New Labor Codes
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A coalition of 10 major Indian trade unions held coordinated protests across the country on Wednesday, denouncing the government’s rollout of new labor codes as a “deceptive fraud” that undermines worker protections, Arab News reported.
The demonstrations, involving unions representing millions of laborers and farmers, marked the first major labor action since the codes came into force last week and highlighted intensifying tensions over India’s economic reform trajectory.
Union leaders argued the new framework weakens job security, restricts collective bargaining and increases employer power at a time of heightened economic uncertainty. Tapan Sen, general secretary of the Center of Indian Trade Unions, said workers’ rights were being “bulldozed,” accusing the government of misleading the public about the supposed benefits.
The four labor codes — governing wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety — replace 29 existing laws. Officials say the consolidation simplifies compliance, expands social protections and modernizes India’s labor system. The government highlights measures such as mandatory appointment letters, fixed salary payment schedules, extended social security for gig workers, and equal benefits for fixed-term employees, including maternity and leave entitlements. Women may now work night shifts with employer-provided security.
Unions, however, say implementation has exposed structural imbalances. They point to eased layoff rules for larger firms, expanded fixed-term employment, and stricter requirements for forming unions or calling strikes. Amarjeet Kaur, general secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress, said the reforms risk returning workers to a “colonial era” where organizing was severely restricted.
The government has not formally commented on Wednesday’s protests, though it has consistently defended the codes as essential for attracting investment and expanding formal employment.
