Trade unions stage protests in Tiruchi against newly introduced labour codes

Two CITU-affiliated unions staged separate protests in Tiruchi on Monday urging the Union government to withdraw the newly introduced four labour codes, stating that they undermined workers’ rights and weaken existing labour welfare protections.

Members of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Employees Federation held a demonstration in front of the Chief Engineer’s office of TNPDCL at Tennur. The protesters said the new codes, which replaced 44 labour laws, would affect rights related to eight-hour workday, minimum wages, bonus and social security. They also said the changes would restrict trade union functioning and the right to strike.

The protest was led by Rengarajan, State vice-president of the federation.

Separately, members of the Tamil Nadu Medical and Sales Representatives Association observed a ‘Black Day’ protest near the District Collectorate as part of a nationwide programme on November 24–26. Wearing black badges, they condemned the Centre’s decision to implement the labour codes and demanded that the amendments be withdrawn.

The protest was led by district president T. Iniyan.

A petition listing their demands was later submitted to the District Collector.