New Delhi: The Workers India Federation (WIF), in collaboration with the Confederation of Unorganized Workers’ Forums, has raised serious concerns over the newly enacted Labour Codes, cautioning that these reforms could significantly undermine workers’ rights, weaken trade union protections, and increase vulnerability for India’s unorganized workforce, which constitutes nearly 93% of all employees. The Federation has urged the government to reassess the Codes through transparent and inclusive consultation, ensuring alignment with constitutional safeguards and international labour standards.
Fr. George Thomas Nirrappukalayil, Director of WIF, described the Labour Codes as a reflection of an increasingly corporate-oriented economic framework, which threatens to erode safeguards designed to protect fair working conditions, workers’ dignity, and collective bargaining power. He emphasized that restrictions on unionization particularly endanger employees in smaller establishments, leaving them exposed to exploitation and diminished workplace democracy.
A critical concern raised by the Federation relates to the provision for social security, noting ambiguity over how benefits will reach the unorganized sector, despite assurances of expanded coverage. WIF pointed out that the draft National Employment Policy does not offer practical solutions for implementation, leaving millions without essential protections.
The Federation also criticized the measure allowing businesses with up to 300 employees to shut down without prior government approval, warning that this could trigger sudden closures, job losses, and increased economic insecurity. Fr. Nirrappukalayil stressed that any labour reform must strengthen not dilute workers’ rights, dignity, and equality, ensuring a balanced approach that safeguards both employment and social justice.
Reaffirming their stance, WIF called on the Government of India to immediately review and amend the Labour Codes, protecting the security, rights, and future of the nation’s workforce and ensuring that labour reforms serve as a means of empowerment rather than exploitation.