Trade unions in India stage nationwide protests against new labor codes
[November 26, 2025] By
RAJESH ROY
NEW DELHI (AP) — A coalition of 10 major Indian trade unions mounted
nationwide protests Wednesday against the government’s rollout of new
labor codes, saying the sweeping changes were “deceptive fraud” against
workers.
Demonstrations were held in several parts of the country as unions
representing millions of laborers and farmers accused the government of
pushing through the overhaul despite widespread concerns that the new
framework erodes job security, weakens collective bargaining and
heightens employer control.
It is the first coordinated labor action since the codes took effect
last week, underscoring deep tensions between unions and the government
over the direction of economic reforms.
While Indian officials said the new framework will modernize outdated
laws, improve efficiency and expand social protections, unions argued it
would strip essential safeguards and favor employers at a time of rising
job insecurity.
“Workers’ rights are being bulldozed, and the government is justifying
the move with a barrage of lies that the codes will benefit laborers,”
said Tapan Sen, general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions,
which is aligned with the communist party and a key trade union in the
group that called for the strike.
The four codes — covering wages, industrial relations, social security
and occupational safety — replace 29 labor laws that previously governed
hiring, benefits and workplace standards across India’s formal and
informal sectors.
The government, while notifying the codes, said the consolidated
structure simplifies compliance, reduces fragmentation and gives workers
better access to social security, provident fund contributions and
safety norms.
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Members of various Indian trade unions listen to a speech of their
leader during a protest against the government's rollout of new
labor codes in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP
Photo/Manish Swarup)
 The codes make it compulsory for
employers to issue appointment letters and fixes a timeframe for
payment of salaries. It also allows women to work night shifts with
security arrangements by employers.
Social security benefits have been extended to the unorganized
sector and gig workers. Fixed-term employees will receive the same
benefits as permanent workers, including leaves, maternity benefits
and additional payouts after completing one year of service.
Unions, however, argue the implementation has revealed the reforms
to be deeply skewed in favor of employers. They point to provisions
that allow easy layoffs for larger firms, expand fixed-term
employment and tighten conditions for forming unions or calling
strikes.
“It’s an attempt to push workers’ back to the colonial era where
they can’t even raise their voice nor fight to form or legalize a
trade union,” said Amarjeet Kaur, general secretary of All India
Trade Union Congress, another prominent union taking part in the
strike.
The government hasn’t formally commented on the strike. It usually
dismisses assertions made by the unions.
New Delhi has defended the codes as long overdue, saying that a
modern labor framework was essential to attract investment and
increase formal jobs. It hopes companies will be encouraged to
expand operations, creating more secure employment over time.
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