Overview
- The Union government brought four consolidated labour codes into force on Nov 21, replacing 29 laws across wages, social security, industrial relations and workplace safety.
- On Nov 26, a coalition of ten central trade unions, joined by farmer groups, held protests across India and submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu demanding repeal.
- Kerala Labour Minister V. Sivankutty said the state will not enforce the codes, will ask the Centre to withdraw them, and will convene a national labour conclave on Dec 19 before meeting the Union Labour Minister.
- Disputed provisions include raising the prior-approval threshold for layoffs to 300 workers, a 14-day strike notice and a 51% bar for union recognition, alongside measures such as compulsory appointment letters, timely wage payment and expanded social security for gig workers.
- Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya defends the framework as pro-worker and pro-growth, while union leaders warn protests will continue and could escalate to a general strike.