Labour Codes benefiting only corporate sector, alleges CPI State executive member Kameswara Rao

CPI member Kameswara Rao calls for withdrawal of Labour Codes, claiming they favor corporations over workers’ rights and welfare.

The Communist Party of India’s State executive member P. Kameswara Rao on Monday (February 02) asked the Union government to withdraw all four Labour Codes immediately since they were benefiting only the corporate sector instead of labourers in the country. Speaking to The Hindu here, He said that over 40 Acts enacted to protect the interests of the workers were abolished without proper discussion with stakeholders and public representatives in Parliament.

“We request all workers to take part in the nation-wide strike proposed on February 12 to demand reintroduction of Labour Laws to ensure job protection and 8 hours-work. The introduction of 10 hours of work in a day is resulting in the deterioration of the health of workers. It is also leading to job losses as companies needed workers only for two shifts instead of three shifts,” said Mr. Kameswara Rao.

According to him, the government should fix ₹26,000 as minimum wage in the backdrop of skyrocketing inflation in the country. He said that the party has been organising preparatory meetings in Garividi, Kothavalasa, Vizianagaram and other places to garner support from all sections of society for the nation-wide strike.

All India Trade Union Congress president S. Ranga Raju, general secretary Bugata Ashok have been distributing pamphlets to create awareness among the general public on the ‘injustice’ meted out to workers after the introduction of Labour Codes.