Himachal Pradesh News
CITU Observes ‘Black Day’ Across Himachal Pradesh, Demands Rollback of New Labour Codes
In a strong show of resistance, workers across the state observed a ‘Black Day’ on Tuesday, responding to a nationwide call by a joint forum of central trade unions and national federations. The protest was aimed at opposing the implementation of the Centre’s four new labour codes, which unions claim are detrimental to workers’ rights.
In a strong show of resistance, workers across the state observed a ‘Black Day’ on Tuesday, responding to a nationwide call by a joint forum of central trade unions and national federations. The protest was aimed at opposing the implementation of the Centre’s four new labour codes, which unions claim are detrimental to workers’ rights.
Under the leadership of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), demonstrations were organized at district and block headquarters, including in the state capital. Hundreds of workers gathered, raising slogans and voicing concerns over what they described as “anti-worker” reforms.
As part of the protest, memorandums addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were submitted through Deputy Commissioners across various districts. The unions demanded an immediate withdrawal of the labour codes and a reconsideration of policies affecting workers.
Addressing a gathering in Shimla, CITU State President Vijender Mehra strongly criticized the new labour laws. He alleged that the codes weaken long-standing labour protections and fail to safeguard workers’ basic rights.
Mehra urged the government to focus instead on strengthening existing labour laws and introducing a national minimum wage that ensures a dignified standard of living. He also highlighted the growing dependence on contract labour, calling for stricter regulations and a shift towards permanent employment opportunities.
Raising serious concerns, Mehra claimed that nearly 70% of industries and 74% of workers could fall outside the protection of labour laws under the new framework. He also criticized provisions that may allow working hours to extend from eight to 12 hours, warning that such changes could open doors to worker exploitation.
“These codes risk undoing decades of struggle by the working class. They threaten job security, fair wages, social security, and even the fundamental rights of trade unions,” he said.
The union further emphasized the need to expand social security benefits like EPF, ESI, pensions, and gratuity to all workers, regardless of their employment status or sector.
In addition, concerns were raised over increasing privatization and disinvestment policies, which, according to union leaders, are shrinking employment opportunities and worsening working conditions.
CITU leaders warned that if the government fails to roll back the labour codes, a larger mass movement could be launched in the coming days, signaling an escalation in protests across the country.
