Centre is anti-worker, evading answers: TMC MP on new labour codes

In a question regarding the implementation of the new Labour Codes by the Centre, Trinamul Congress MP Ritabrata Banerjee to the Union labour minister, the minister, Shobha Karandlaje stated in Parliament that the four Labour Codes were passed after extensive consultations with all stakeholders including /UT Governments. The comments/concerns raised by the stakeholders were acknowledged and examined before the passage of four Labour Codes.

The reply by the minister is confusing, said Ritabrata Banerjee today. “I had sought the details of whether there was a discussion with the states before the Labour Codes were made effective and if any state had opposition to it. We were told there was extensive discussion. However, no concrete answer was provided when asked about whether any state had opposed it….CM Mamata Banerjee has been opposing these destructive labour codes since the beginning. In 2020, these codes were passed in an empty Parliament. The Tamil Nadu government too had opposed this because this strips the workers and trade unions of all rights. Labour, which is a concurrent subject, needs the approval of states too. The central government is anti-people and anti-worker. As long as Mamata Banerjee is in power, we will not allow this in our state,” said Ritabrata.

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The TMC MP had also asked the minister to reveal which are the states not in agreement with the proposed codes.

There was no mention of West Bengal or Tamil Nadu, said the TMC MP. The reply just stated: “Several National and Regional Labour Conferences were held with States/UTs to discuss issues relating to four Labour Codes.”