The end of permanent employment: a modern form of bonded labor?
BJP's New Labour Codes
Labour rights are not a blessing received overnight. They are the result of countless struggles and sacrifices over a long period. However, nationwide protests have erupted against the new Labour Codes brought in by the Central BJP government, which threatens to shake the very foundation of the rights obtained through a century of struggle. The Central Government has merged 29 of the existing 44 labour welfare laws into four new Labour Codes. Is this change for the welfare of the workers or for the benefit of corporations? These changes may not only affect the workers but the future of all of us.
End of Permanent Employment: Modern Slavery?
The most dangerous provision in the new codes is the Fixed Term Employment (FTE) system. They argue that this is an attempt to completely abolish the concept of "permanent employment." Through this, a worker can be hired only for a specific period, and can be dismissed at any time without any social security benefits. This system is being called "a modern form of slavery imposed by the government." This change strips workers of their job security and makes them completely subservient to the companies.
A Century of Struggle Wasted?
The labour class in India has continuously struggled for the past hundred years and has secured several basic rights, including working hours, wages, safety, and the right to form unions. But the Central Government's new laws are trampling upon those struggles and the rights gained through them. Ignoring the strong opposition from the public and trade unions, these laws have been drafted to favour the corporates.
"The Central Government has brought in these Labour Codes in a way that tramples upon the rights secured by the working class through a century of struggle."
Are 25 Crore Workers’ Voices Being Suppressed?
A trade union is the symbol of the collective bargaining power of the workers. However, these new codes are said to be redefining the very concept of trade union rights. According to the protestors, due to these new definitions, approximately 25 crore workers in India—that is, a quarter of a billion people—face the risk of being excluded from the right to form a trade union. This is a shocking statistic. If trade unions are weakened in this manner, the voices of the workers will become isolated, their collective strength will be shattered, and their ability to fight for their rights will be completely suppressed.
Will Tamil Nadu Follow Kerala's Path?
Democratic forces across the country are continuously raising their voices against these anti-labour laws of the Central Government. Specifically, in the protests jointly organised by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Communist Party of India, and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the main demand is that the Central Government should immediately withdraw these laws.
The ruling Left government in Kerala has bravely announced that it will not implement these Labour Codes in its state. The demand is that the Tamil Nadu government should follow this and take a strong decision. The key request is for the Tamil Nadu Assembly to pass a condemnation resolution against these laws to protect the rights of the workers.