Archive · 17 Dec 2025
Trade Unions Divided Over Labour Codes
Sixteen trade unions, including the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, support four new labour codes in India.
They want to tell workers about these codes and make sure everyone knows the benefits, like minimum wages and social security.
The government made these codes official on November 21.
The Labour and Employment Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, said these codes will help workers.
However, in Bhiwandi, other trade unions and workers protested against these codes, calling them 'anti-worker' and saying they weaken workers' rights.
They want the government to withdraw these codes.
The government says they talked to many people before making these codes, but the protesters say the government didn't listen to workers.
The codes are supposed to help formalise the informal economy, but some workers feel they will make things worse for them.
16 trade unions, including BMS, support four labour codes at the Labour & Employment Summit–2025 in New Delhi.
The unions aim to raise awareness about the labour codes and counter misinformation, highlighting benefits like minimum wages and social security for 40 crore workers.
Trade unions and workers’ organisations in Bhiwandi protested against the labour codes, terming them 'anti-worker' and demanding their withdrawal.
The government notified the four labour codes on November 21, 2025, but full implementation is pending as states and UTs finalise rules.
Protesters argue that the labour codes weaken job security, collective bargaining rights, and social protection, particularly for unorganised sector workers.
- Who
- 16 trade unions, including BMS, and protesting workers' organisations in Bhiwandi
- What
- Support and opposition to the four labour codes
- When
- November 21, 2025 (notification), Tuesday (summit and protest)
- Where
- New Delhi (summit), Bhiwandi (protest)
- Why
- To enhance awareness and counter misinformation (supporters), to protest against 'anti-worker' reforms (opponents)
Supporters of Labour Codes
Opponents of Labour Codes
Benefits and Awareness
Supporters of Labour Codes
16 trade unions, including BMS, support the four labour codes, aiming to raise awareness and counter misinformation. They highlight benefits like minimum wages, mandatory appointment letters, and social security for 40 crore workers.
Opponents of Labour Codes
Trade unions and workers’ organisations in Bhiwandi protest against the labour codes, terming them 'anti-worker' and a direct attack on hard-earned labour rights. They demand the immediate withdrawal of the codes, citing weakened job security, collective bargaining rights, and social protection.
Impact on Unorganised Workers
Supporters of Labour Codes
The government aims to formalise the informal economy, providing social security benefits and economic stability through the e-SHRAM portal and other schemes.
Opponents of Labour Codes
Union leaders argue that the labour codes undermine provisions related to minimum wages, working hours, industrial dispute resolution, and social security, particularly affecting unorganised sector workers.
Implementation and Consultation
Supporters of Labour Codes
The government claims the labour codes were passed after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including states and UTs. They emphasize provisions for faster dispute resolution and strengthened collective bargaining.
Opponents of Labour Codes
Protesters accuse the government of ignoring workers’ voices and prioritising corporate interests. They demand meaningful consultations before implementing such sweeping reforms.
- Number of Trade Unions Supporting
- 16
- Key Trade Union
- Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS)
- Event
- Labour & Employment Summit–2025
- Location
- New Delhi
- Date of Notification
- November 21, 2025
- Minister
- Mansukh Mandaviya
- Workers Covered
- 40 crore
- Protesting Location
- Bhiwandi
- Protesting Union
- CITU-affiliated Lal Bavta Powerloom Warper and Unorganised Workers’ Organisation
- Affected Sectors
- Powerloom, domestic work, beedi industry
- e-SHRAM Registrations
- 31.38 crore unorganised workers
- EPFO New Subscribers (2024-25)
- 139.78 lakh
