Congress will not support four new ‘anti-national’ labour codes: K Muraleedharan slams Centre

Congress leader K Muraleedharan on Sunday (November 24, 2025) criticised the four new labour codes introduced by the Centre, calling them “anti-national” and said the party will not support them.

Mr. Murleedharan claimed that under the new codes, labourers can form an organisation only if at least 10% of its members are part of it.

He called this provision incorrect, saying that forming a union is a workers’ right.

“If any labourers can form an organisation, a minimum of 10% of the members should be a part of the organisation. That is not correct. To form an organisation is their right. They are encouraging the owners of the factories and fully supporting the management. Workers are not getting justice from most of the management across India. It is affecting Kerala also. This is anti-national and we will not support it,” the Congress leader told ANI.

As per the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, one of the four codes implemented by the Centre, Trade Unions with 51% membership get recognition as the Negotiating Union.

According to the Centre, such an arrangement strengthens collective bargaining. The code also expanded the definition of a strike, including “mass casual leave also within its ambit”, to prevent flash strikes and ensure lawful action.