Labour unions protest against new codes

Members of various labour unions and associations staged a protest against the new labour codes implemented by the Union government calling them anti- labour.

In Belagavi, Centre of Indian Trade Unions activists burnt a copy of the codes, saying they are legalising corporate slavery.

“These codes are snatching away our rights. They exempt any company or establishment that employs less than 12 people from all labour laws. They are extending working hours, reducing compensation and other benefits and also, the powers of regulation by government agencies. They also reduce all permanent jobs to temporary contractual jobs. These codes are made to benefit corporates and big business houses and not workers, district coordinator Gaibu Jainekhan said.

In Karwar, leaders burnt copies of the codes at Subhas Circle and raised slogans against the Union government.

A protest march was taken through the main streets of the city. They marched from Maladevi Maidan to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

The protestors submitted a request to the President to withdraw the Central government’s new labour policies. They also urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah not to implement them.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sajid Mulla received the submissions.

CITU district vice-president Yamuna Gaonkar and activists were present.

In Hubballi, protestors submitted a memorandum to the government. They took out a protest march holding placards and raised slogans against the Union government.