Repeal anti-worker amendments, labour unionists tell Punjab govt
Ludhiana: Factory workers and labourers have called for the immediate repeal of recent amendments to labour laws that they allege strip them of their fundamental rights and protections.
The unions have urged the Punjab govt to uphold and enforce workers' legal entitlements, expand the labour department, and raise the minimum wage in the state.
Lakhwinder Singh, president of Karkhana Mazdoor Union, recently said, "The workers are protesting against amendments made to the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, which exclude establishments with fewer than 20 workers from the scope of basic labour protections.
They argue that, if enforced, these changes will leave a large section of workers, particularly in shops and small businesses, without legal safeguards related to working hours, minimum wages, attendance records, or workplace safety.
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The labour unions are also demanding the reversal of amendments made to the Factories Act during the Covid-19 lockdown by the previous govt, and again in Sept 2023 by the current govt.
These amendments allow for extended overtime, up to four hours per day and 144 hours per quarter in commercial establishments, and up to 115 hours per quarter in factories.
They fear that these changes legalise exploitative practices and normalise excessive work without addressing workers' core needs, especially decent wages.
Another major point of their concern is the introduction of four new labour codes by the Centre.
The unions want the Punjab legislative assembly to pass a resolution rejecting the implementation of these codes in the state. They said the new codes dilute long-standing worker protections under the guise of simplification and ease of doing business.
The unions are also pressing for an increase in the monthly minimum wage to Rs 26,000, based on an eight-hour workday. They argue that many workers are currently forced to depend on overtime just to make ends meet.
"Instead of creating conditions that force labourers into longer hours, the state should ensure a living wage that eliminates this compulsion altogether," said one union representative.
In addition to repealing recent amendments, the workers have called for a comprehensive strengthening of the labour department, including hiring more officers and inspectors, expanding the number of labour courts, and improving the inspection framework for industries, shops, and commercial establishments. They emphasised the need for effective enforcement to stop ongoing violations of labour laws.
The unions also alleged widespread corruption in the labour department and demanded strict action to eliminate bribery and red tape that has been affecting workers' access to justice.
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