New Labour Codes Under Fire: Why CITU, AITUC & INTUC Are Protesting Nationwide
India’s new labour codes spark nationwide protests. CITU, AITUC, and INTUC oppose the laws, citing threats to worker rights, job security, wages, and social protection.
The Government of India’s new labour codes have sparked a massive national debate, leading to widespread protests by major trade unions such as CITU, AITUC, and INTUC. These unions argue that the new laws weaken worker rights, reduce job security, limit wage protection, and strengthen employer control. As a result, lakhs of workers across the country are joining nationwide strikes and demonstrations.
India’s labour codes were introduced to simplify 44 existing labour laws into four major codes. While the government claims that the move will boost investment, improve compliance, and create jobs, trade unions believe the reforms heavily favour corporations over workers.
This article explains why India’s biggest trade unions are opposing the new labour codes, what the workers fear, and how this nationwide protest is shaping the future of labour rights.
Understanding the New Labour Codes
The Government has consolidated 44 labour laws into four major codes:
The Four Labour Codes
• Code on Wages (2019)
• Industrial Relations Code (2020)
• Social Security Code (2020)
• Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code (2020)
The government says the changes will make the labour system cleaner, simpler, and more attractive for businesses. But trade unions disagree, arguing that the new codes dilute protections that workers have enjoyed for decades.
Why Are CITU, AITUC & INTUC Protesting?
India’s major trade unions have united in rare solidarity to oppose the new labour codes. According to them, the new rules weaken worker protections, give employers more power, and make it harder for unions to operate.
Below are the key objections raised by CITU, AITUC, and INTUC.
1. Job Security at Risk
One of the biggest fears is that the new labour codes will make it easier for companies to hire and fire workers without proper checks.
Concerns About Job Security
• Employer can hire workers on fixed-term contracts
• Easier retrenchment and closure of factories
• Increase in contract labour
• Risk of massive job loss in industrial sectors
Unions argue that allowing more fixed-term employment will replace permanent jobs with temporary ones.
2. Weakening Trade Unions
Many new provisions make it harder for unions to strike or register themselves.
Union-Related Concerns
• More restrictions on strikes
• Mandatory 14-day strike notice
• Tough rules for union recognition
• Easier disciplinary action against union leaders
CITU, AITUC, and INTUC claim these rules attack the fundamental right to protest and collective bargaining.
3. Longer Working Hours
The new labour codes allow companies to redesign working hours. This may increase daily and weekly work time.
Working Hour Concerns
• Possibility of 12-hour workdays
• Increased weekly work limits
• Less importance on overtime
• Fear of worker exploitation
Workers worry that the new system will benefit employers by stretching labour beyond safe limits.
4. Reduced Social Security Protection
Unions say the new social security code weakens existing protections for workers in organised and unorganised sectors.
Social Security Concerns
• Unclear rules for gig and platform workers
• Lesser government responsibility in welfare schemes
• Increased role of private players
• Risk of reduced pension, PF, and ESI benefits
CITU warns that crores of workers may lose access to essential social protection.
5. Dilution of Safety Standards
Occupational safety laws have been merged, but unions say some rules now lack clarity.
Safety-Related Concerns
• Weak checks on factory safety
• More power to employers for compliance
• Reduced government inspection
• Higher risk of industrial accidents
According to AITUC, safety reforms should strengthen worker protection, not make it more flexible.
6. Favouring Corporates Over Workers
All three major unions—CITU, AITUC, and INTUC—believe the labour codes are designed to help companies rather than workers.
Corporate-Benefit Concerns
• Easier regulations for big industries
• Faster lay-offs
• Higher thresholds for worker protection
• More employer control over working conditions
This has created a sense of insecurity among industrial workers.
Nationwide Protests and General Strikes
The opposition to the new labour codes has led to massive protests across India. Trade unions have organised strikes in various states to pressure the government into reconsideration.
Major Protest Activities
• Nationwide general strikes
• Rallies and marches by workers
• Factory shutdowns in industrial belts
• Demonstrations by government employees
• Protests by gig workers and platform workers
These protests are supported by workers from sectors like manufacturing, mining, transport, textiles, banking, construction, and agriculture.
What Are Trade Unions Demanding?
CITU, AITUC, and INTUC have issued a list of demands to the central government.
Key Union Demands
• Withdraw all four labour codes
• Restore earlier labour laws protecting workers
• Provide strong social security to all workers
• Reduce contract labour usage
• Better wages and minimum wage implementation
• Protect union rights and strike rights
• Ensure safe working conditions
Unions insist that reforms must be balanced and not anti-worker.
Government’s Stand on the Labour Codes
The government argues that the labour codes will simplify compliance and encourage investment, benefiting both workers and industries.
Government Claims
• Labour codes make laws simple and transparent
• More job creation in the long run
• Flexibility for companies to grow
• Better social security for gig workers
• Digital compliance to reduce corruption
While the government highlights the positives, unions fear the changes will shift too much power to employers.
Impact on Workers Across India
The labour codes will affect workers in both the organised and unorganised sectors.
Impact on Workers
• Greater job insecurity
• Fewer permanent jobs
• Increase in contract work
• Reduced bargaining power
• Longer and more flexible working hours
• Lower social protection coverage
For gig workers and platform workers, the impact is still unclear, which adds to the uncertainty.
The Road Ahead: Will the Labour Codes Be Implemented?
The implementation of the labour codes has been delayed due to opposition from multiple states and unions. However, the central government has stated that the reforms will eventually come into force.
Future Possibilities
• Reconsideration of certain provisions
• Dialogue between unions and government
• Gradual implementation in certain states
• Legal challenges by trade unions
The situation remains dynamic, and nationwide protests are likely to continue.
The new labour codes are under intense scrutiny as trade unions like CITU, AITUC, and INTUC lead major nationwide protests. Workers fear that the reforms will weaken labour rights, reduce job security, dilute safety standards, and shift power heavily toward employers. On the other hand, the government claims the codes will modernize labour laws and attract investment.
As the debate continues, millions of workers across India wait for clarity on their future. Whether the labour codes will be changed, withdrawn, or implemented fully remains uncertain—but the protests show that worker voices will continue to shape India’s labour landscape.
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