New Labour Laws: The Indian government’s new labour codes were introduced to simplify the country’s complex labor system. While the government believes these reforms will support business growth and modernise the workforce, the Opposition is strongly protesting them. Here’s a clear explanation of why.
What Are the New Labour Laws?
The government combined 29 older labor laws into four primary Labour Codes. These aim to create a modern, easier, and uniform system for wages, social security, safety, and industrial relations. However, critics say the changes may benefit companies more than workers.
Why Is the Opposition Protesting again Codes?
1. Job Security Concerns
The Opposition argues the new laws make it easier for companies to hire and fire employees. Factories with up to 300 workers can now lay off staff without government approval, which they fear will reduce job stability.
2. Longer Working Hours
The new codes allow companies to extend the workday to 12 hours, as long as weekly limits remain unchanged. Opposition leaders feel this may overwork employees and affect their health and work-life balance.
3.More Power to Employers
The codes promote flexible hiring through contract and fixed-term jobs. The Opposition claims this will give employers too much control, making jobs less secure and reducing long-term benefits for workers.
4. Restrictions on Strikes and Unions
The Industrial Relations Code makes it harder for unions to strike by requiring a 14-day notice. Opposition parties believe these rules weaken workers’ rights to protest unfair practices.
5 .Uncertainty Around Social Security
The codes promise wider social security coverage, including for gig and platform workers. But the Opposition says implementation is unclear, and informal workers may still struggle to access benefits.
Government’s Response
The government defends the changes, saying the new laws will improve the ease of doing business, attract investment, generate jobs, and provide workers with better long-term protection. They believe India needs updated labor rules to stay competitive.
