Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Labour Codes Implementation Gains Momentum in India
The Indian government has started implementing four new Labour Codes that combine and update 29 old labour laws.
These codes aim to improve workers' welfare by providing universal minimum wages, better social security, and more flexible working conditions.
The government plans to fully implement these codes by 2026 and is also working on improving the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to make it easier for workers to access their savings.
However, some worker unions are against these codes and plan to go on strike on February 12, 2026, because they believe the codes are unfair to workers.
The government and industry groups support the codes, saying they will make it easier to do business and improve workers' lives.
The four Labour Codes, implemented on November 21, 2025, aim to modernize and simplify 29 old labour laws.
Key provisions include universal minimum wages, better social security, and flexible working hours.
The government plans to fully operationalize the codes by 2026 and introduce EPFO 3.0 for faster provident fund services.
Central trade unions oppose the codes, planning a strike on February 12, 2026, to demand their repeal.
The reforms aim to boost workers' welfare, formalization, and ease of doing business, but unions argue they are anti-worker.
- Who
- Indian Government, Labour & Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Central Trade Unions, Industry Representatives
- What
- Implementation and opposition to the four Labour Codes
- When
- Implemented on November 21, 2025; strike planned for February 12, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To modernize labour laws, enhance workers' welfare, and boost ease of doing business, but opposed by trade unions for being anti-worker
Government and Industry
Central Trade Unions
Labour Codes Implementation
Government and Industry
The Labour Codes modernize and simplify labour laws, enhancing workers' welfare and ease of doing business.
Central Trade Unions
The Labour Codes are anti-worker and should be repealed, as they undermine workers' rights and entitlements.
- Implementation Date
- November 21, 2025
- Universal Minimum Wages
- Available to all workers
- Social Security Coverage
- Expanded from 19% to 64%
- EPFO 3.0
- Planned for 2026 to enhance provident fund services
- Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana
- ₹1 lakh crore outlay to create 3.5 crore jobs
- Strike Date
- February 12, 2026 (planned by central trade unions)
- Labour Laws Consolidated
- 29 legacy laws into four Labour Codes
- Digital Infrastructure
- e-Shram portal and National Career Service platform
Sources
"Codes Create Transparent System": Union Labour Secretary Vandana Gurnani Hails Labour Reforms
You will not get gratuity after 1 year yet, despite 5-year rule being changed under new labour laws — know why
Labour reforms get a boost, rules on four codes in the offing in 2026
Labour reforms get a boost, rules on four codes in the offing in 2026
