Meetings on labour codes fail to evolve consensus -AM Jigeesh

-The Hindu

Majority of the trade unions urge Bhupender Yadav to withdraw the four codes; outfits including the BMS demand that the Centre immediately convene the Indian Labour Conference

In an apparent indication that the implementation of the four labour codes will be delayed further, majority of the Central Trade Unions, during their recent discussions with Union Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav, have urged the Centre to withdraw the four codes. Though Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-affiliated trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) supported the Code on Social Security and the Code on Wages, it opposed the Industrial Relations Code and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code in the meeting with Mr. Yadav. The BMS, along with the Opposition’s trade unions, also sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing the the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code.

Mr. Yadav completed his separate discussions with all the Central Trade Unions (CTUs) by the end of September. He had also met various organisations representing employers. A source in the Ministry said the Minister will meet a few more associations of the employers in the coming days.

Leaders of 10 CTUs reviewed the developments at a meeting here last week and decided to maintain their positions. All India Trade Union Congress general secretary Amarjeet Kaur told The Hindu that all the 10 CTUs opposed the labour codes in their meetings with the Minister. “We have demanded the Centre to stop separate discussions on the labour codes. They did not consult anyone at the time of drafting these codes or passing them in Parliament. Even the objections raised by the Parliament Standing Committee on Labour was ignored. Now, whatever discussions are to be held, it should be held together with all CTUs,” Ms. Kaur said.

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