Bathinda Workers Stage Black Day Protests Against Labour Codes
In a significant show of dissent, workers in Bathinda observed April 1 as Black Day, responding to a call from the Platform of Central Trade Unions and Independent Sectoral Federations and Associations. Protesters adorned black badges and headbands while organizing demonstrations and dharnas across the city. Their primary demands include the immediate scrapping of what they label as "pro-employer and anti-worker" four labour codes and the urgent convening of the Indian Labour Conference for tripartite consultations.
Allegations of Pro-Corporate Policies
The unions strongly alleged that the government continues to advance pro-corporate policies under the guise of "ease of doing business." They argued that the new labour codes threaten to regress the workforce into exploitative conditions reminiscent of the colonial era. Historically, the working class fought against extreme exploitation under British rule and later secured critical rights in independent India, such as the ability to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and strike.
Through sustained struggles, both before and after Independence, workers achieved milestones including decent wages, social security, regularization of contract labour in perennial jobs, equal pay for equal work, and entitlements like bonus, gratuity, and pensions. These efforts were supported by pro-worker political forces, leading to the enactment of central laws and various state legislations.
Risks to Hard-Won Gains
"All these hard-won gains are now at risk of being undone by the present central government," the unions declared. They further contended that the provisions within the new labour codes contradict the spirit of the Indian Constitution, international labour standards, the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW), and basic human rights. This stance underscores their view that the codes undermine decades of progress in workers' rights.
Call for Future Action
The joint platform has issued a rallying cry, urging workers to prepare for intensified struggles in the coming days. This mobilization signals a potential escalation in protests as trade unions seek to protect their interests and push back against policies they perceive as detrimental to labour welfare. The Black Day observance in Bathinda thus marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over labour reforms in India.
