Construction workers in Tamil Nadu's temple city of Madurai took to the streets in a significant demonstration, voicing strong opposition to recent central government legislation. Members of the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Central Association organised a vigorous protest, demanding the immediate repeal of four new labour codes.
Protest Against Alleged Corporate-Favouring Laws
The core allegation from the protesting workers is that the recently enacted laws are designed to benefit corporate interests at the direct expense of labour rights. M Samayaselvam, the district president of the association, did not mince words, labelling the government's move as a profound betrayal of the working class. He expressed grave concerns that the future of several crucial welfare boards, which provide a safety net for workers, now hangs in the balance due to these legislative changes.
Key Concerns: Job Security and Worker Protections
Samayaselvam outlined the association's specific fears regarding the practical impact of the laws. He stated that implementation would severely weaken job security across sectors. The new framework, he argued, is poised to reduce the number of permanent workers while significantly increasing dependence on contract and daily wage employment, leaving workers in a perpetually vulnerable state.
Furthermore, the protest leader alleged that the laws grant employers unchecked powers to dismiss workers, tilting the balance of power heavily in favour of management. He highlighted that long-fought and hard-won labour protections, such as the fundamental right to an eight-hour workday, are being systematically undermined by the new provisions.
Safety Risks for Women Workers
Raising a critical issue of worker safety, Samayaselvam pointed to the provisions that allow women to work night shifts across all sectors. While potentially expanding opportunities, he warned that this change could place women workers at serious risk if adequate and stringent safety safeguards are not explicitly mandated and rigorously enforced on the ground. The protest in Madurai underscores a growing wave of apprehension among India's labour force, who fear the erosion of their rights and security in the wake of the new legal architecture.
