Two-day workshop to discuss ‘dangers’ of labour codes begins in Mysuru

A two-day state-level workshop organised by the Karnataka State Building and Other Construction Workers Federation to discuss the ‘dangers’ of the four labour codes implemented by the Central Government began in Mysuru on January 25.

Speaking after inaugurating the workshop, which has been organized at Nanjaraj Bahadur Choultry in Mysuru under the leadership of CITU, retired CEO of the Building Workers’ Welfare Board Vasanth Kumar Hittanagi expressed concern over the four labour codes adversely affecting the working class.

He said the codes do not include over 40 crore agricultural labourers and have also excluded a large section of the unorganised sector. Therefore, the claim that the labour codes represent the entire working class is far from the truth, he said.

Mr Hittanagi said removing the requirement of prior government permission to close factories would pave the way for arbitrary actions by owners. He also pointed out that the codes do not clearly state who will provide protection to workers who are thrown out of factories, calling it a matter of serious concern.

Presiding over the event, Federation president Balakrishna Shetty said that during the two-day workshop, they would discuss the dangers of the labour codes and pass resolutions to plan protests.

He added that construction workers would participate in the nationwide strike called for February 12 against the labour codes.

State general secretary of the Federation K. Mahanthesh, CPM Mysuru district secretary Jagadeesh Surya, state secretary Lingaraju Malavalli, Mysuru district leaders Basavaiah, Naveen Kumar and Somashankar, and state treasurer Yallalinga, among others, were present.

More than 200 delegates from various districts across the state are taking part in the workshop.