
Nearly a month after the Narendra Modi government began its third term, the Union Labour Ministry has initiated efforts to implement the four Labour Codes passed by Parliament in 2019 and 2020. New Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra have begun meeting with representatives of various trade unions to seek their cooperation on the contentious legislation.
Current Status of Labour Codes
Although the Labour Codes have been passed in both Houses, they are not yet operational due to objections from trade unions. The Centre has maintained that some States have not yet framed the rules for the codes. While most States have done so, the Centre has been assisting those that have not.
Trade Unions’ Opposition
Central Trade Unions (CTUs) have opposed the codes, arguing that they curtail trade union rights and reduce social security measures for workers. Recently, Citigroup’s employment analysis report suggested that implementing the Labour Codes could enhance the “ease of doing business” in India.
Meetings with Trade Unions
Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS)
Earlier this week, Mr. Mandaviya met with representatives of the Sangh Parivar-backed trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS). BMS General Secretary Ravindra Himte stated that they had called for the early implementation of the Code on Wages and the Code on Social Security. However, he noted that the Industrial Relations Code and the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Code contained several anti-worker provisions that needed revision.
Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
Ms. Dawra met with a delegation from the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) on Wednesday. SEWA National Secretary Manali Shah said the issue was discussed in their meeting, and the Centre was keen on implementation. However, SEWA opposed the four codes, highlighting the lack of social security measures for unorganized and migrant workers.
Concerns and Demands
- BMS Demands: BMS demanded detailed consultations with all trade unions on the Labour Codes and to rectify defects before implementing them. They also pointed out that the OSH Code advances safety and health concerns but has limitations due to the threshold limit prescribed in the code.
- SEWA Concerns: SEWA highlighted the inadequacy of current social security legislation in safeguarding the rights of migrant workers, both those crossing State borders and those employed outside India.
Call for Joint Meetings
Ten Central Unions, including SEWA, have written to Mr. Mandaviya urging him to meet with the CTUs to discuss workers’ issues. The letter requested a joint meeting with all Central Trade Unions to present pressing labour issues for his attention and action.
Indian Labour Conference
Senior trade union leader Amarjeet Kaur urged the Centre to convene the Indian Labour Conference, which has been held only once in the last ten years. She emphasized that the conference is a tripartite forum of workers, government, and employers held annually. Ms. Kaur added that many worker issues remain unresolved, and the implementation of the Labour Codes would further worsen their living standards.