Hundreds of union workers staged a protest outside the deputy commissioner's office in Ludhiana on Tuesday, demanding a minimum monthly wage of ₹30,000 and the strict enforcement of labour rights. The demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner calling for a regulated eight-hour workday, proportional pay for daily-wage and piece-rate workers, double overtime pay, equal wages for women, paid weekly offs, sick leave, and festival holidays.
Unions Oppose New Labour Codes
The unions demanded the withdrawal of the four new central labour codes, branding them "anti-worker." They argued that despite legal protections, factory labourers are forced to work 12 to 14 hours a day for wages that fail to cover basic household expenses. The protesters highlighted that while industrial profits have grown, workers have been denied a fair share, a crisis worsened by skyrocketing prices of petrol, diesel, cooking gas, and essential commodities.
Leaders Speak Out
Lakhwinder Singh, president of the Karkhana Mazdoor Union, urged the government to stop suppressing labour struggles and demanded the release of trade union leaders and social activists arrested nationwide. Criticising state policy, Ravinder Kaur of the Naujawan Bharat Sabha stated that the Punjab government's recent 15% minimum wage hike is entirely inadequate against soaring inflation. She added that many employers ignore existing wage laws because state enforcement agencies fail to penalise violations.
Warning of Intensified Agitation
Supported by various farmer unions, the protesters warned that they will intensify their agitation and launch larger nationwide struggles in the coming months if their demands are ignored.
