Left-backed trade unions, communist parties call nationwide protests against Modi govt’s labour reforms on equal pay, women’s safety, and gig worker social security

The Central government, on Friday, announced that four major labour codes have come into effect from 21st November. These replace 29 existing Central labour laws and aim to streamline and modernise the labour system in the country.

Several trade unions have strongly opposed the decision. A joint platform of ten central trade unions including the Communist and left parties, has now called for a nationwide protest on Wednesday, 26th November at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding that these “anti-worker” laws be rolled back.

According to the Labour Ministry, the four codes, the Code on Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020), and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020), will all be implemented from 21st November.

The official statement said the new laws will “modernise labour regulations” and make workplaces more supportive and inclusive. The government believes that this move will help build stronger industries and contribute to its larger goal of creating an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Focus on women’s safety and equal pay

Emphasis on protection and equal opportunities for women is one of the major highlights of the new codes. The rules make it amply clear that women must receive wages equal to that paid to men for the same work, and gender discrimination will be banned legally.

Women who give their consent will also be allowed to work night shifts and take up jobs in mining, heavy machinery, and other sectors where their participation was previously restricted. Companies will have to provide written consent forms, safe transportation, CCTV surveillance, and proper security arrangements in order to ensure safety.

The new rules also make it mandatory for workplaces to have women members on grievance redressal committees. Another change is the expansion of the definition of “family” for female employees, parents-in-law can now be considered dependents, giving women more inclusive benefits.

Social security coverage for all workers

A big part of the reform is the extension of social security benefits. Under the Social Security Code, even gig workers and platform-based workers, such as delivery partners, cab drivers, and app-based workers, will get access to schemes like PF, ESIC, and insurance.

Aggregators, such as app-based companies, will contribute between 1% and 2% of their annual turnover to support these benefits, with a cap of 5% of the total payments made to gig workers.

Minimum wages will also be guaranteed to all employees under Central Government rules.

The codes also bring specific benefits for workers in niche sectors. For example, beedi and cigar workers will have fixed working hours, between 8 to 12 hours a day and not more than 48 hours a week. Overtime pay will be double the regular wage, and it will be allowed only with the worker’s consent.

Workers in digital and audio-visual fields, including journalists, dubbing artists, and stunt professionals, will now be officially recognised under labour laws and receive full benefits.

Trade unions strongly oppose the move

The Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions issued a scathing statement, condemning what it called “blatantly unilateral implementation of anti-worker pro-employer labour codes.”

The Joint Platform notice was signed by the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India United Trade Union Centre, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, All India Central Council of Trade Unions, Self-employed Women’s Association, Trade Union Coordination Centre, Labour Progressive Federation and United Trade Union Congress.

The coalition contended that these laws have been passed despite nationwide opposition. They pointed out that workers had been protesting the codes since 2019, and the massive general strike held on 9th July 2025 saw around 25 crore workers participating.

According to the unions, the government moved ahead with the implementation emboldened by its recent victory in the Bihar elections.

While many unions have sharply criticised the move, some organisations have welcomed the government’s decision. The International Social Security Organisation (ISSO), based in Geneva, praised India’s reforms and said the new codes strengthen global efforts toward inclusive social security systems.

In India, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the National Front of Indian Trade Unions and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union have expressed public support for the new labour codes.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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