Hyderabad: Leaders of several central and state labour unions in Telangana on Saturday urged the state government to pass a resolution in the Legislative Assembly. They are opposing the Centre’s four Labour Codes. They warned that the proposed laws would threaten the rights of over one crore workers in the state.
The union leaders met Labour and Employment Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy at his Somajiguda residence. They alleged that the Union Government had introduced the Labour Codes to benefit multinational corporations. They argued that the reforms would come at the expense of India’s working class.
Four Labour Codes threaten job security and rights, warn unions
The delegation pointed to resolutions passed in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal. These state Assemblies formally opposed the Labour Codes. According to the unions, Telangana must follow suit to protect its labour force. They argued that the new codes would dismantle essential job protections. Moreover, it would extend working hours without proper safeguards.
Additionally, union representatives criticized the plan to raise working hours from 8 to 12, branding it exploitative. They claimed the move, presented as part of the Centre’s “Ease of Doing Business” policy, misleads the public. It also weakens worker protections.
In response, Minister Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy assured them he would convey their concerns to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. He reaffirmed that the Congress government stands firmly with the labour community. They remain committed to protecting the rights and welfare of workers.