Is Congress Right to Call New Labour Codes ‘Anti-Worker’?
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Synopsis
The Congress party has raised serious concerns about the recent labour codes introduced by the government, branding them as 'draconian' and harmful to India's vast unorganised workforce. Protests are underway, with leaders calling for a retraction of these policies that threaten workers' rights and safety.
Key Takeaways
- The Congress party opposes the new labour codes, citing risks to workers' rights.
- Protests are occurring nationwide, indicating widespread dissent.
- Concerns include the reduction of wages and weakening of safety regulations.
- Gig workers are left without adequate protections under the new laws.
- Calls for the immediate withdrawal of the labour codes are being made by opposition leaders.
New Delhi, Nov 27 (NationPress) The Congress party has ramped up its criticism of the Central Government regarding the newly enacted labour codes, labeling them as “draconian” and a direct threat to India’s 44 crore unorganised workforce.
During a press conference held at the AICC headquarters, Udit Raj, former MP and Chairman of the Unorganised Workers and Employees Congress (KKC), announced that significant protests have already commenced nationwide and are set to escalate in the upcoming weeks.
Raj emphasized that the four labour codes, which became effective on November 21, are intended to undermine workers’ rights, erode social security, and grant immense freedom to employers.
“The Congress firmly opposes these new labour codes. Protests are erupting across the nation. On November 22, we staged a demonstration at Shram Shakti Bhawan to inform the government that these laws are anti-worker,” he stated.
He criticized the provisions that permit employers to hire and terminate workers without prior approval for up to 300 employees, an increase from the previous limit of 100.
Moreover, he warned that redefining wages could lead to a significant reduction in workers’ actual earnings, while pay revisions have been extended to five years despite rising inflation. “A worker’s actual salary could shrink by nearly 50 percent. This poses a serious threat,” he remarked.
Additionally, he cautioned that safety regulations under occupational health and hazard laws have been compromised, thereby exposing workers to potential exploitation.
“Inspection and regulatory protections have been eliminated. Employers are no longer required to supply safety gear or ensure workplace safety,” he noted.
Raj also criticized the central government for providing only registration benefits to gig and platform workers, lacking essential social security, insurance, provident fund, or pension. “The welfare system for unorganised workers has been dismantled,” he asserted.
He urged the government to promptly withdraw the labour codes, branding them as the “most dangerous policy ever implemented for India's workers.”
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the implications of the Congress's stance on the newly introduced labour codes. The party's concerns reflect broader anxieties about workers' rights and social security in India. While the government defends its policies as a means to promote flexibility and growth, the opposition highlights potential risks to the welfare of millions. This ongoing debate warrants attention as it affects the future of India's workforce.
NationPress
27/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key concerns raised by the Congress regarding the new labour codes?
The Congress criticizes the labour codes for undermining workers' rights, diluting social security, allowing employers to hire and fire more freely, and redefining wages in a way that could reduce take-home salaries significantly.
What actions has the Congress taken in response to the new labour codes?
The Congress has initiated widespread protests across the country, including demonstrations at key locations like Shram Shakti Bhawan, to express their opposition to the new laws.
How do the new labour codes affect gig and platform workers?
The government has offered only registration benefits to gig and platform workers without providing essential protections like social security, insurance, or pensions, leading to criticism from the Congress.
