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24 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
EconomyPolity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Trade Unions Announce Nationwide Strike Against New Labour Codes on February 12

Trade unions plan a nationwide strike on February 12, protesting the government's new labour codes.

Trade Unions Announce Nationwide Strike Against New Labour Codes on February 12

Photo by LSE Library

A joint platform of ten central trade unions has called for a nationwide general strike on February 12, 2025, to protest against the central government's new labour codes and other laws. The unions argue that these codes dilute workers' rights, weaken trade unions, and favour employers, impacting job security and working conditions.

This protest highlights the ongoing debate between labour welfare and ease of doing business, a critical aspect of India's economic policy and industrial relations. The strike aims to pressure the government to reconsider the implementation of these controversial reforms.

Key Facts

1.

Nationwide general strike called by 10 central trade unions

2.

Strike date: February 12, 2025

3.

Protesting against new labour codes and other laws

4.

Unions allege dilution of workers' rights and weakening of trade unions

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Impact of labour reforms on economic growth and employment.

2.

Constitutional provisions related to labour rights and trade unions (Fundamental Rights, DPSP).

3.

Historical evolution of labour laws and trade union movement in India.

4.

Comparison of India's labour standards with international conventions (ILO).

5.

The debate between 'ease of doing business' and 'labour welfare' in policy-making.

Visual Insights

Evolution of Labour Reforms & Protests in India (2014-2025)

This timeline illustrates the key milestones in India's labour reform journey, from the initial push for 'Ease of Doing Business' to the enactment of New Labour Codes and the subsequent nationwide protests culminating in the February 2025 strike.

India's labour laws, historically complex and fragmented, have been a subject of reform debates for decades. The current government's push for consolidation aims to modernize regulations and improve the business environment, but faces significant resistance from labour organizations concerned about workers' rights.

  • 2014NDA government comes to power, emphasizes 'Ease of Doing Business' and labour law rationalization.
  • 2016Initial discussions and proposals for consolidating central labour laws begin.
  • 2019Parliament enacts the Code on Wages, 2019, consolidating four laws related to wages.
  • 2020Parliament enacts three more codes: Industrial Relations Code, 2020; Code on Social Security, 2020; and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. Trade unions begin strong opposition.
  • 2021-2023Delay in implementation of New Labour Codes due to lack of consensus on rules and strong protests from trade unions and some state governments.
  • Late 2024Government signals readiness to finalize rules for New Labour Codes, increasing pressure for implementation.
  • Feb 12, 2025Joint platform of ten central trade unions calls for a nationwide general strike against the New Labour Codes.

New Labour Codes: The Core Conflict and Stakeholders

This mind map illustrates the central debate surrounding the New Labour Codes, highlighting the conflicting objectives of the government and employers versus the concerns of trade unions and workers.

New Labour Codes (2019-2020)

  • ●Government & Employer Objectives
  • ●Trade Union & Worker Concerns
  • ●Key Changes Proposed by Codes
  • ●Current Status & Impact
More Information

Background

India's labour laws have historically been complex, fragmented, and often criticized for being rigid, hindering industrial growth and formal employment. Post-liberalization, there has been a consistent demand from industry for labour market flexibility to boost investment and 'ease of doing business'. This led to the government's initiative to consolidate and rationalize 44 central labour laws into four comprehensive codes.

Latest Developments

The central government has enacted four new labour codes: the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Code on Social Security, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. While these codes aim to simplify regulations, provide universal social security, and promote ease of doing business, they have faced strong opposition from trade unions. Unions argue that these reforms dilute workers' rights, weaken collective bargaining power, make it easier for employers to hire and fire, and reduce job security, leading to widespread protests and calls for nationwide strikes.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. With reference to the new Labour Codes enacted by the Government of India, consider the following statements: 1. The Code on Wages, 2019, subsumes four existing laws, including the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. 2. The Industrial Relations Code, 2020, increases the threshold for prior government permission for layoffs and closures from 100 to 300 workers for industrial establishments. 3. The Code on Social Security, 2020, aims to provide universal social security coverage to all workers, including gig and platform workers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct: The Code on Wages, 2019, subsumes the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. Statement 2 is correct: The Industrial Relations Code, 2020, raises the threshold for requiring government permission for layoffs, retrenchment, and closure from 100 to 300 workers, providing greater flexibility to employers. Statement 3 is correct: The Code on Social Security, 2020, aims to extend social security benefits to all workers, including those in the unorganised sector, gig workers, and platform workers, by subsuming nine existing social security laws.

2. In the context of labour rights and industrial relations in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The right to form associations or unions is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution of India. 2. The State shall endeavour to secure to all workers a living wage and conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life, as per the Directive Principles of State Policy. 3. The Trade Unions Act, 1926, primarily deals with the registration of trade unions and defines their rights and liabilities. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct: Article 19(1)(c) guarantees the right to form associations or unions. Statement 2 is correct: Article 43 of the DPSP states that the State shall endeavour to secure, by suitable legislation or economic organisation or in any other way, to all workers, agricultural, industrial or otherwise, work, a living wage, conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life and full enjoyment of leisure and social and cultural opportunities. Statement 3 is correct: The Trade Unions Act, 1926, is the primary legislation governing the registration, regulation, and protection of trade unions in India.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the 'ease of doing business' and 'labour welfare' debate in India: 1. Proponents of labour market flexibility argue that it attracts foreign investment and promotes job creation in the formal sector. 2. Critics argue that increased flexibility can lead to precarious employment, wage stagnation, and erosion of workers' bargaining power. 3. The International Labour Organization (ILO) primarily advocates for labour market flexibility over workers' rights to promote global economic growth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 2 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct: A key argument for labour market flexibility is that it reduces compliance costs for businesses, making India a more attractive destination for investment, which in turn can lead to job creation. Statement 2 is correct: Critics often point out that excessive flexibility can result in 'hire and fire' policies, leading to job insecurity, lower wages, and a weakening of trade unions' ability to negotiate for better conditions. Statement 3 is incorrect: The ILO is a tripartite UN agency that sets international labour standards and promotes social justice and human and labour rights. It advocates for a balance between economic development and workers' rights, emphasizing decent work, and does not primarily advocate for flexibility over rights.

4. Which of the following is NOT a core convention of the International Labour Organization (ILO) that India has ratified?

  • A.Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87)
  • B.Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105)
  • C.Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)
  • D.Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)
Show Answer

Answer: A

India has ratified six out of the eight core ILO conventions. These are: Forced Labour Convention (No. 29), Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105), Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100), Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No. 111), Minimum Age Convention (No. 138), and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182). India has NOT ratified the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98).

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