Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 13: Hundreds of workers affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and other trade organisations in Maharashtra joined a nationwide strike on Thursday, staging protests against the implementation of four labour codes by the Centre.

The protesting unions alleged that the new labour codes lack clarity on guaranteed benefits for unorganised and gig workers, while claiming that the Occupational Safety Code relaxes compliance requirements and inspections.

Addressing protesters in Mumbai, union leaders said the four codes would dilute the protections provided under the existing 29 labour laws. Demonstrations were held in the Bandra-Kurla Complex area, including in front of the Maharashtra Construction Workers Welfare Board.

Shailendra Chauhan, General Secretary of Mumbai CITU, alleged that the labour codes were aimed at weakening trade unions. “Cancellation of trade union registration is made easy. Permanent employment will be replaced by fixed-term employment with hire and fire. Factory closures are made easier. Organising a legal strike is made difficult, and workers could face jail for illegal strikes. Provident Fund contributions are reduced and working hours can be extended to 12 hours per day,” he said.

At least 22 workers’ organisations participated in the agitation under the banner of a Joint Action Committee. These included the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), CITU, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Bombay University and College Teachers' Union (BUCTU) and the National Rail Major Union.

RWPI activist Baban Thoke criticised the Industrial Relations Code, claiming it would allow companies employing up to 300 workers to lay off staff without prior government approval and impose stricter conditions on the right to strike, thereby weakening job security and trade unions.

The Maharashtra Congress extended support to the Bharat Bandh. State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal termed the labour codes anti-worker and anti-farmer and directed party office-bearers to join the protest.

Shiv Sena MLC Sachin Ahir also joined the demonstration, describing the labour codes as a “hire and fire policy”. He alleged that the government was imposing the policies forcefully while portraying them as beneficial to the working class. He questioned why representatives of the 22 organisations were not invited for consultations.

Among the key demands raised by CITU were prevention of exploitation by developers and contractors, constitution of a joint committee comprising police, labour representatives and civic officials, regular health check-ups for workers, pension for workers above 65 years of age, and direct payment of Rs 2,000 per month into workers’ bank accounts.

The unions also demanded allocation of work at construction sites under projects undertaken by MMRDA, Metro, railways, and state and central government departments.