Is Kerala Hosting a National Labour Conclave Against the Centre's Labour Codes?
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Synopsis
Kerala's proactive stance against the Union government's labour codes raises eyebrows. With a National Labour Conclave set to take place, the state is advocating for trade union voices and resisting pressures to implement potentially harmful regulations, drawing attention from across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala is hosting a National Labour Conclave to address concerns over new labour codes.
- Minister V. Sivankutty emphasizes the importance of trade union input.
- The state has resisted pressures to implement potentially harmful regulations.
- Concerns over the codes being regressive have been voiced by various stakeholders.
- Kerala aims to prioritize workers' rights and protections.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 26 (NationPress) - Kerala has announced the organization of a National Labour Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, uniting prominent trade union leaders, legal experts, and Labour Ministers from states not governed by the BJP.
This initiative follows the Union government's recent move to implement four consolidated labour codes — the Wage Code, Industrial Relations Code, Social Security Code, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code — starting November 21.
Labour Minister V. Sivankutty emphasized that Kerala staunchly opposes the one-sided application of these codes, which he believes include provisions harmful to labour rights and trade union protections.
During the Labour Ministers’ Conference in Delhi on November 11 and 12, the minister expressed Kerala's concerns to Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, particularly regarding the 'anti-labour clauses.'
Although the Union Minister promised to consult trade unions before finalizing the notification, such a meeting did not take place, and the implementation notice was issued hastily.
In light of this, Kerala has convened an emergency meeting with central trade union representatives on Thursday.
“The government will act only after hearing from trade unions,” Sivankutty asserted.
He recalled that since 2019, Kerala has resisted the Centre’s pressure to create state-level regulations for the new labour codes.
In July 2022, the state hosted a significant workshop with trade union leaders, management representatives, and legal experts, who criticized the codes as regressive and biased in favor of employers.
Taking these concerns into account, the state chose not to proceed with drafting rules.
Sivankutty highlighted that, in contrast to many other states, Kerala has intentionally delayed further action for three years, reaffirming its commitment to labour welfare.
“We are the only state that has not rushed into implementation or rule drafting. Workers' rights and protections cannot be compromised,” he stated.
He added that Kerala’s approach is based on the principles of practicality, social justice, and scientific planning.
Point of View
Kerala's initiative to host a National Labour Conclave reflects a significant resistance against central policies that may undermine labour rights. The state's commitment to prioritizing the voices of trade unions over imposed regulations is a critical stance that could influence labour relations across the nation, fostering a discussion on the balance between state and central authority in labour matters.
NationPress
26/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the National Labour Conclave?
The National Labour Conclave aims to unite trade union leaders and legal experts to discuss the implications of the new labour codes enforced by the Union government.
Why is Kerala opposing the new labour codes?
Kerala believes the new labour codes contain provisions that are detrimental to labour rights and trade union protections, challenging their unilateral enforcement.
What has been Kerala's approach towards the implementation of labour codes?
Since 2019, Kerala has resisted the Centre's pressure to draft state-level rules for the new labour codes, emphasizing labour welfare and workers' rights.
Who is leading the discussions at the conclave?
Labour Minister V. Sivankutty is leading the discussions, along with various trade union representatives and legal experts.
What was the outcome of the Labour Ministers’ Conference in Delhi?
At the conference, Kerala raised objections to the labour codes, highlighting anti-labour clauses, but felt their concerns were not adequately addressed.
