CITU stages protest against new labour codes in Kalaburagi

Members of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) observed a “black cay” here on Wednesday in protest against the implementation of the four labour codes by the Union government.

The protesters, wearing black ribbons tied across their foreheads, gathered at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Chowk and set ablaze an effigy and a poster symbolising the labour codes rules, expressing their strong opposition.

The activists raised slogans condemning the Union government’s move, as workers held placards and voiced concern over the impact of the new laws.

CITU district president M.B. Sajjan said that the labour codes are anti-worker and framed without consulting trade unions.

He said that the government has ignored repeated appeals and protests, including the nationwide general strike earlier this year.

He said that the new laws will weaken the rights that workers secured through decades of struggle.

Mr. Sajjan warned that the codes will lead to reduced job security and weaken protections for workers.

CITU vice-president Gauramma Patil said that the labour codes will make it harder to form and run trade unions, while making it easier for employers to bypass labour laws.

They also expressed concern that the right to strike will be curtailed and that contract-based employment can increase.

She said that the labour codes can dilute social security measures and lead to lower minimum wages, affecting the livelihood of workers, especially those in the unorganised sectors.

Demanding the immediate withdrawal of the labour codes and the rules, the CITU leaders said that the laws go against the interests of workers and can push them into more uncertain and vulnerable conditions.