Pinarayi Vijayan Slams Centre for ‘Anti-Worker’ Labour Codes, Calls for Stronger Protests

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised the Union government for ignoring nationwide opposition to the new labour codes, which he described as containing “anti-worker” provisions. He said the Centre’s refusal to address the concerns raised by the working class and trade unions is “highly condemnable.”

In a social media post, the Chief Minister stated that the labour codes were designed to cripple job security and weaken the collective bargaining power of workers. He added that, except for the BMS, all major trade unions in the country have jointly opposed the labour codes, demonstrating unprecedented unity. He called for even stronger resistance against the Centre’s unilateral push to implement them.

Full text of the Chief Minister's statement:

“Even though the working class across the country has raised a united voice against the labour codes containing anti-worker provisions, the Union government continues to turn a blind eye. This attitude is deplorable. The Centre remains unwilling to respond despite the severe objections raised by workers’ organisations.

Since 2015, the government has neither convened the Indian Labour Conference nor engaged in tripartite discussions, choosing instead to advance policies that are entirely anti-labour. No steps have been taken to build consensus among the states on the labour codes.

The labour codes aim to strip away job security and weaken the organised bargaining strength of workers. Except for the BMS, all trade unions have been united in opposing the labour codes. There is a growing need for stronger protests against these codes. The struggle led by trade unions against their unilateral implementation deserves the full support of the people.”