Workers protest new labour codes

Workers, farmers, and horticulturists on Wednesday held a protest rally in Shimla against the four Labour Codes, alleging that the new laws undermine workers’ rights and benefit corporates.

- TDG NETWORK

Workers, farmers, and horticulturists on Wednesday held a protest rally in Shimla against the four Labour Codes, alleging that the new laws undermine workers' rights and benefit corporates.

The rally began from the Panchayat Bhawan and passed through Sabzi Mandi and Lower Bazar before reaching the DC Office, where the protesters raised slogans demanding the restoration of earlier labour protections and justice for farmers affected by land acquisition and natural calamities.

Speaking at the protest and addressing the media, Vijendra Mehra, State President, CITU Himachal Pradesh, strongly criticised the Central Government's labour reforms.

"Today, workers and farmers across the country are protesting. Five years ago, a historic farmers' movement took place when three black farm laws were brought in. Various claims were made that these laws were beneficial for farmers, but later the Central Government had to apologise to the farmers and withdraw those black laws. The intention was to hand over agriculture and labour entirely to corporate interests," Mehra said.

He added that the government scrapped 29 existing labour laws and replaced them with four labour codes, which he claimed would push workers into bonded labour conditions.

"These labour codes will promote bonded labour and slavery. About 74% of workers employed in industries will be pushed out of the legal framework.