Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Workers Protest New Labour Codes in Delhi
Many workers in India are unhappy with new rules about work.
They had a big protest in Delhi to show their feelings.
The new rules make it harder for workers to get benefits like insurance and savings.
They also make it easier for bosses to fire workers without warning.
Some workers are worried about having to work at night.
The protesters want the government to change these rules to make them fairer for workers.
Some experts say the new rules might not help workers because the government hasn't said when they will update the lowest allowed wage.
This could keep wages too low.
The government wants these rules to make it easier for big companies to invest in India, but workers feel these changes are not fair.
Hundreds of workers protested in New Delhi against new labour codes implemented on November 21.
The four new labour codes replace 29 Central labour laws and have raised concerns about workers' welfare.
The new codes increase the threshold for obtaining a factory licence, potentially depriving workers of benefits like ESI and Provident Fund.
The Industrial Relations Code now requires a 14-day notice for strikes, limiting workers' freedom.
The OSH Code permits women to work night shifts with safety provisions, which some protesters find impractical.
- Who
- Hundreds of workers and 13 workers' organisations and trade unions
- What
- Protest against new labour codes
- When
- November 26, 2023
- Where
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Why
- Concerns over workers' welfare and rights under new labour codes, including wage revision timeline and collective bargaining powers
Workers and Trade Unions
Government and Employers
Wage Revision Timeline
Workers and Trade Unions
The lack of a timeline for floor wage revision by the Centre will keep wages low and cause disparity.
Government and Employers
The government aims to attract investments through flexible labour regimes, with market forces playing a greater role in wage determination.
Collective Bargaining
Workers and Trade Unions
The new labour codes have weakened workers' collective bargaining powers.
Government and Employers
The government believes these codes will create a more flexible and investment-friendly labour market.
- Location
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Date of Protest
- November 26, 2023
- Organizing Body
- Mazdoor Adhikar Sangharsh Abhiyan
- Number of Labour Codes
- 4
- Previous Labour Laws Replaced
- 29
- New Factory Licence Threshold (Power Aided)
- 20 workers
- New Factory Licence Threshold (Without Power)
- 40 workers
- Minimum Wage Disparity
- ₹200 a day in some states vs. ₹600 in Delhi