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Kerala Calls Emergency Meet Against Centre's Labour Code Push

Kerala is taking a strong stand against the Centre's labour code implementation. The state has called an emergency national meeting with trade unions and non-BJP ruled states. Labour Minister V. Sivankutty argues the codes contain anti-labour provisions that threaten worker protections. Kerala has deliberately withheld implementation for three years, showing its commitment to labour welfare.

Key Points: Kerala Hosts National Labour Conclave Against Central Codes

  • Kerala strongly opposes unilateral implementation of four consolidated labour codes
  • State organized high-level workshop in 2022 criticizing codes as regressive
  • Union government issued implementation notice without promised trade union consultation
  • Kerala has resisted pressure to frame state-level rules since 2019
2 min read

Kerala calls emergency meet against Centre's labour code push

Kerala organizes emergency national meeting with trade unions and non-BJP states to oppose Centre's labour codes, citing anti-worker provisions and lack of consultation.

"Workers' rights and protections cannot be compromised - V. Sivankutty, Kerala Labour Minister"

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 26

Kerala has decided to host a National Labour Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, bringing together major trade union leaders, legal experts, and even Labour Ministers from non-BJP-ruled states.

The initiative comes in the wake of the Union government's decision to implement the four consolidated labour codes -- Wage Code, Industrial Relations Code, Social Security Code, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code -- from November 21.

Labour Minister V. Sivankutty said Kerala is strongly opposed to the unilateral enforcement of these codes, which, he argued, contain provisions detrimental to labour rights and trade union protections.

The minister, who represented the state at the Labour Ministers' Conference in Delhi on November 11 and 12, said Kerala had firmly conveyed its objections to the Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and highlighted the "anti-labour clauses".

While the Union Minister assured that trade unions would be consulted before finalising the notification, no such meeting was held, and instead, the implementation notice was issued abruptly.

In response, Kerala has called an emergency meeting of central trade union representatives on Thursday.

"The government will proceed only after hearing the views of trade unions," Sivankutty asserted.

He recalled that since 2019, Kerala has resisted pressure from the Centre to frame state-level rules for implementing the new labour codes.

In July 2022, the state organised a high-level workshop involving trade union leaders, management representatives, and legal experts.

The participants had sharply criticised the codes, calling them regressive and pro-employer.

Respecting those concerns, the state had decided not to move forward with draft rules.

Sivankutty noted that, unlike most other states, Kerala has deliberately withheld further action for three years, underscoring its commitment to labour welfare.

"We are the only state that has not rushed into implementation or drafting rules. Workers' rights and protections cannot be compromised," he emphasised.

He added that Kerala's stance is guided by principles of practicality, social justice, and scientific planning.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Kerala, I'm proud of our government standing up for labour rights. The unilateral implementation without proper consultation is concerning. Hope other states join this conclave.
M
Michael C
While I appreciate Kerala's concern for workers, we also need labour reforms to attract investment and create jobs. There should be a balanced approach that protects workers while encouraging business growth.
A
Anjali F
The Centre promised consultation but issued implementation notice abruptly? This is not how democracy works. Kerala is right to challenge this. Workers' voices matter! 💪
S
Suresh O
Three years of resistance shows Kerala's commitment. In my factory, workers are worried about these new codes. Hope the conclave brings positive results for labour welfare across India.
K
Kavya N
This political confrontation between state and centre is becoming too common. Can't we have proper dialogue instead of emergency meetings and unilateral decisions? Both sides need to work together for national progress.

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