The left union announces a series of protests against implementation of the controversial ‘pro-corporate’ laws
NEW DELHI — The All India Agricultural Workers’ Union (AIAWU) has strongly denounced the Union Government’s unilateral notification of four controversial labour codes. The left union announced a series of protests against implementation of these controversial pro-corporate laws announced on Friday (November 21).
The union has called these codes a direct attack on India’s working people and a blatant disregard for democratic processes.
In a statement, the AIAWU’s Central Working Committee condemned the notification as a “deceptive fraud” and accused the government of bypassing consultations, consensus, and constitutional norms.
The new labour codes, which replace 29 existing central labour laws, are viewed by critics as a step backward in terms of worker protection, job security, and social welfare.
According to the AIAWU, the labour codes will dismantle hard-won rights that were built over decades of struggle. The union claims the government’s actions signal a shift toward creating an environment that favours profit over human dignity, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation by both domestic and foreign capital.
“These codes will severely undermine the rights of workers, particularly in rural areas and agriculture, where conditions are already exploitative,” said AIAWU President A. Vijayaraghavan. “What is being marketed as ‘labour reform’ is, in reality, a framework to deprive protections, weaken trade unions, and suppress the rights of the working class.”
In response, the AIAWU is mobilising workers for a series of protests. The union has called for the burning of copies of the new labour codes, with the protests culminating in a larger joint demonstration on November 26. This event will be supported by the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions, independent industrial federations, and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, along with agricultural and rural workers.
The AIAWU called on all progressive and democratic sections of society to unite and oppose the government’s move, which they argue will lead to greater exploitation of the country’s labour force, especially in the rural and agricultural sectors.
The union’s call for mass protests comes as the government faces mounting criticism for pushing through these labour reforms without adequate stakeholder consultation. Workers, farmers, and unions across the country are expected to join the protests, sending a clear message against the new codes.
“We are standing together with the working class of India to defend the rights and dignity of workers,” said AIAWU General Secretary B Venkat.
The protests will be a key moment in India’s ongoing debate over the future of labour rights and the role of government in protecting workers’ welfare in an increasingly market-driven economy.
