Workers are the backbone of our country..! | Panaiyur M Babu's speech
Labourers are generally called the "backbone of the nation." However, this very backbone is being systematically weakened by the new laws introduced recently.
Shocking Information: Labour Laws Changed When People Weren't Watching
The Union Government led by Modi consolidated 44 different laws pertaining to labour into just four Codes. Although this appeared to be done for administrative convenience, the process behind it is a direct attack on democracy.
These laws were passed in 2020. It was a time when the country was distracted by multiple issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the massive Farmers' Protest, and the anti-CAA protests. Most importantly, all opposition parties were boycotting the Parliament. As a result, these laws, which affect the lives of crores of workers, were passed without any discussion. This act completely disregards the fundamental democratic principle of debate and consultation. The hallmark of a strong, democratic government is passing a law after subjecting it to debate. But here, it was completely ignored.
"These laws were passed secretly, like a thief."
Shocking Information: A Direct Example from Tamil Nadu – The 12-Hour Workday Bill
The first direct attack stemming from the anti-democratic laws passed by the Union Government took place in the Tamil Nadu Assembly itself. It was the first dangerous and expected consequence. On April 23, 2023, the then Industries Minister, Thangam Thennarasu, introduced a bill to increase the legal working hours for labourers from 8 hours to 12 hours. This served as a direct example of the havoc the new Union laws could wreak at the state level.
Shocking Information: An Outburst of Opposition within the Coalition Itself!
When this bill was introduced, only eight Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) belonging to the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Left parties—despite being part of the ruling coalition—immediately opposed the 12-hour workday bill inside the Assembly.
They raised slogans of condemnation right when the bill was introduced. Despite the Speaker's request to take their seats, they ignored it and staged a walkout. Opposing a law brought by one's own coalition government on a matter of principle is a significant and rare act in politics.
This courage to oppose their own coalition members for the sake of principle underscores the paramount importance of labour rights. Such instances of opposition, which question the consensus decisions of the ruling class, are what keep democracy alive.
Conclusion: Awareness is Our Security
Labour laws have been changed without proper debate, their negative consequences are now beginning to surface, and these events show how crucial principled opposition is. In a democratic country, when laws affecting crores of people are passed without debate, who holds the final responsibility to protect the rights of the working class?