Workers, farmers unite in protest against new labour codes

Responding to a nationwide call by Central trade unions and employee federations, workers across Haryana staged massive demonstrations at all district headquarters today. Protesters submitted memorandums addressed to the Prime Minister through Deputy Commissioners, demanding the withdrawal of all four labour codes, which they termed “anti-worker” and favourable only to corporate interests.

Thousands of employees from organisations such as CITU, AITUC, INTUC, HMS, AIUTUC, the Sarv Karamchari Sangh Haryana, along with bank and insurance sector unions, participated in the protests. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha also extended support, with farmers joining the demonstrations in large numbers.

All India State Government Employees Federation national president Subhash Lamba said workers’ and employees’ bodies nationwide strongly opposed the BJP government’s move. “We demand that the labour codes be scrapped, the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025 be withdrawn and all project-based, HKRN, and other contractual or temporary workers be regularised,” he said. He also sought “equal pay for equal work,” revision of minimum wages in Haryana to Rs 26,000 per month, restoration of the old pension scheme and filling of vacant government posts.

He further said, “Under MGNREGA, 200 days of work and wages of Rs 800 per day should be ensured and construction workers should be registered with the Welfare Board and be provided facilities. Farmers’ and workers’ loans should be waived and MSP-based guaranteed procurement of crops should be implemented.”

Workers said the BJP government was falsely promoting the new labour codes as worker-friendly. In reality, they argued, these legislations “strip workers of their legal rights and hopes for a better life.” They alleged the government had introduced the codes “to provide opportunities for plunder to domestic and foreign capitalists.”

They noted that the 8-hour workday was achieved only after intense global struggles in the 19th century. “Today, when technology has advanced and trade unions are demanding a 6-hour workday, the provision of a 12-hour shift clearly raises the question about government’s intentions,” a protester said.

They also criticised provisions that exempt factories with up to 40 workers from labour laws and allow establishments with up to 300 workers to impose lockouts and layoffs without government approval, saying such measures would “deprive workers of their rights.”