Trade unions, farmers body protest against new labour codes, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• On Wednesday, a joint forum of 10 Central trade unions, Samyukt Kisan Morcha, and AIPEF protested nationwide against the four recently notified Labour Codes.
• The government notified all four Labour Codes on November 21, despite objections from labour unions, claiming they introduce major reforms.
• The joint forum submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, criticizing the codes for allegedly negating the right to strike and making union registration problematic.
• Protests were held in over 500 districts, with participation from workers across sectors, according to AITUC general secretary Amarjeet Kaur.

Detailed Insights:

• The government claims the Labour Codes passed in 2019 and 2020 introduce reforms like universal social security for gig workers, mandatory appointment letters, statutory minimum wages, and timely payment.
• The joint forum alleges the codes ease de-recognition of unions, make conciliation difficult by winding up labour courts, and grant registrars overriding powers to de-register unions.
• AIPEF chairman Shailendra Dubey stated that power sector workers protested against the Labour Codes and the Electricity Amendment Bill, which they believe promotes privatisation.
• The Electricity Amendment Bill aims to allow multiple distribution licensees to use government discom networks, which is opposed by the AIPEF.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Labour Codes: A set of laws that consolidate and simplify existing labour laws in India.
• Gig Workers: Individuals who perform work outside of the traditional employer-employee relationship, often on a short-term or freelance basis.
• Privatisation: The transfer of ownership, management, or control of assets or services from the public sector to the private sector.