All party trade unions demand cancellation of Labour Codes

Trade union leaders demand cancellation of Modi government's Labour Codes, warning of loss of worker rights and privatization threats.

The participants of all party central trade unions demanded the immediate cancellation of the four Labour Codes, brought out by the Modi government in place of Labour Laws, which were achieved by the workers after relentless struggles during the British era, at a meeting held here on Thursday.

All party leaders R.K.S.V. Kumar (CITU), B. Nagabushanam (INTUC), Sk. Rahaman (AITUC), N. Kanaka Rao (CFTUI) Deva (APFTU), Ramakrishna Raju (AICCTU), Anil Kumar (YSRTU) were among those who participated in the meeting held at the CITU office in Jagadamba Junction.

They alleged that the Modi government has been trying to deprive the workers of their rights and working for the benefit of corporates ever since it assumed power at the Centre. It had converted 29 of the 44 Labour Laws into four Labour Codes. They said that if these codes were implemented, the workers would lose many of their rights which they enjoyed at present.

The number of work hours could go up from the present eight to 15. They would lose their right to form a trade union, right to go on strike for the achievement of their demands, and to bargain with their employer for better wages and working conditions. They alleged that no labour laws were being implemented for the termination of workers in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) were being handed over to corporate groups on a platter.

They explained that several departments in the railways, ports, airports, oil PSUs, telecom and banks were being privatised. The implementation of Labour Codes would literally reduce workers into slaves. They appealed to the public to support the All India strike on May 20 against the Labour Codes. They also called upon the workers and employees of government, private and unorganised sector workers in Visakhapatnam to participate in the strike and make it a huge success.

They said that a district-level seminar would be organised for the workers on April 27 to elicit their support for the All India strike. Gate meetings would be held in all industries, work spots and residential areas.

Port and Dock Workers Union leader B. Jagan, Shramike Mahila Coordination Committee convener P. Mani, Motor Transport Workers Union district secretary G. Appalaraju and Visakhapatnam district Muta Workers Unions general secretary M. Subba Rao were among those present at the meeting.