by Workers take fire-and-brimstone approach to Modi’s reforms
Ten major Indian trade unions have declared war on the government’s new labour codes, and they’re not being subtle about it. In Bhubaneswar, hundreds of workers gathered to ceremoniously burn copies of the legislation, proving that sometimes the best argument against policy is a good old-fashioned bonfire. Nothing says “we disagree with your regulatory framework” quite like turning it into ash while chanting slogans.
The unions have labeled the reforms a “deceptive fraud,” which is the labor movement equivalent of your grandmother saying she’s “not angry, just disappointed”except with significantly more political consequences and street protests. The new codes consolidate 29 separate labour laws into four streamlined ones, because apparently what India’s workers really needed was fewer laws to protect them, packaged more efficiently.
Modi’s government insists the changes modernize archaic British-era regulations and will attract investment. The unions counter that the reforms make it easier to hire and fire workers, extend factory shifts, and generally treat employees like disposable resources rather than human beings. It’s the classic dance of capital versus labor, except this time it’s being performed to the soundtrack of burning legislation and nationwide protests scheduled for Wednesday.
The codes allow women to work night shifts in factories, which the government touts as progressive while unions point out that safety concerns haven’t exactly been addressed. It’s empowerment theater: “You can work all night now! We still haven’t fixed the transportation or security issues, but at least you have the option to be unsafe 24/7 instead of just during daylight hours.”
Perhaps most tellingly, the threshold for companies requiring government approval before layoffs has been raised from 100 to 300 workers. This means companies can now fire up to 299 employees without asking permission, which is either “flexibility in workforce management” or “institutionalized job insecurity” depending on whether you’re signing the pink slips or receiving them.
The government held over a dozen consultations with unions since June 2024, which is bureaucratic speak for “we listened to your objections, nodded sympathetically, and then did exactly what we planned to do anyway.” The unions feel heard in the same way children feel heard when parents say “we’ll think about it”technically accurate, ultimately meaningless.
Not all unions oppose the changes. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, aligned with Modi’s party, supports implementation, shocking absolutely nobody who understands how political alliances work. It’s like asking your best friend’s mom if your best friend can stay up lateyou know the answer before you ask the question.
Business groups have long complained that India’s labor laws are too restrictive, hindering manufacturing growth. This is true. Workers have long complained that protections barely exist and enforcement is spotty at best. This is also true. The new codes attempt to split the difference by making things easier for business while promising better protections for workersa political magic trick that somehow convinces everyone and no one simultaneously.
The Association of Indian Entrepreneurs expressed concern that the new rules might increase costs for small businesses, which is hilarious because business groups spent years demanding these exact reforms. It’s the corporate equivalent of finally getting what you want and then immediately complaining about it. “We demanded flexibility! Not this much flexibility! This is scary flexibility!”
SOURCE: https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/india-trade-unions-condemn-new-labour-codes-plan-nationwide-protests-2025-11-22/
SOURCE: Bohiney.com (https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/india-trade-unions-condemn-new-labour-codes-plan-nationwide-protests-2025-11-22/)
