Widespread Protests Erupt
In a significant display of solidarity, trade unions across Himachal Pradesh, spearheaded by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), organized widespread
protests and rallies on Thursday at district and block headquarters. This coordinated action, following a call from joint central trade unions and national federations, aimed to voice vehement opposition to the recently introduced four labour codes. CITU's state leadership, including President Vijendra Mehra and General Secretary Prem Gautam, articulated their deep-seated concerns, asserting that these new regulations effectively pave the way for 'slavery' for the working class. The protests signify a unified stand against what many workers perceive as a deliberate rollback of hard-won labor rights and protections. The widespread nature of these demonstrations underscores the gravity of the situation and the collective anxiety among workers regarding their future employment conditions and basic rights.
Key Worker Demands
Leading the charge against the labour codes, CITU representatives presented a series of critical demands aimed at safeguarding workers' welfare and economic security. A central plea is for the establishment of a robust minimum wage, with a specific demand for Rs 30,000 to ensure a decent standard of living. Furthermore, there's a strong push to eliminate the practice of outsourcing and temporary employment, advocating instead for regular, permanent job security. The union also called for the repeal of the MNREGA law, suggesting it might be perceived as undermining other forms of employment benefits, and urged for enhanced economic benefits to be disbursed through the Labour Welfare Board. These demands reflect a broader aspiration for fair compensation, stable employment, and comprehensive social security nets for all workers.
Broader Economic Grievances
Beyond the immediate scope of labour codes, the protests in Himachal Pradesh also encompassed a wider spectrum of economic and agricultural concerns. Protesters voiced their opposition to the 18 per cent tariff imposed by the United States on Indian goods, highlighting its potential negative repercussions on the Indian economy and workforce. The demands extended to providing debt relief for farmers, ensuring a minimum support price for their produce, and crucially, implementing the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission to address agricultural distress. Measures to prevent farmer suicides and to halt land and home evictions were also strongly advocated for. Additionally, the protesters called for adequate compensation for individuals affected by the development of four-lane highways, demonstrating a concern for inclusive development and equitable distribution of its benefits.
Impact of Labour Codes
CITU articulated specific concerns about the potential ramifications of the four labour codes on the workforce. A significant apprehension is that these codes could exclude a substantial portion of the workforce from existing labor protections, with an estimated 70 per cent of industries and 74 per cent of workers potentially falling outside their purview. The union also highlighted the introduction of stringent penalties and fines for workers engaging in strikes, which they argue stifles legitimate industrial action. Furthermore, the shift towards promoting contract and fixed-term employment over permanent roles was condemned. Critically, the proposed increase in working hours from the standard eight to twelve hours per day under the new codes was identified as a major point of contention, raising alarms about worker fatigue and exploitation.
