V Sivankutty Urges Centre to Withdraw New Labour Codes

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Minister V Sivankutty on Friday wrote to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, urging the immediate withdrawal of the four new labour codes notified by the Centre.

In his letter, Sivankutty expressed strong disagreement with the codes, stating they undermine workers’ rights and welfare and compromise the basic principle of social justice, according to an official statement.

While acknowledging the need for labour sector reforms, he cited central trade union representatives’ concerns that the new codes dilute job security, the right to collective bargaining, and safe working conditions.

Sivankutty highlighted that ‘employment’ falls under the concurrent list of the Constitution, arguing that the Centre should have consulted state governments and trade unions rather than unilaterally implementing the codes.

“Avoiding such democratic discussions will disrupt labour peace in the country. In this situation, the central government should immediately withdraw the labour codes in their current form,” he said.

The minister called for transparent and detailed discussions with state governments, central trade unions, and other stakeholders, stressing that workers’ rights and welfare must be safeguarded in any labour reforms.

The letter follows a meeting Sivankutty held with representatives of all central trade unions, during which a resolution was passed urging the Centre to withdraw the codes. He had said an initial letter would be sent, followed by a personal meeting with the Union Labour Minister along with trade union representatives.