Nationwide workers’ strike impacts Jamshedpur, protesters demand repeal of labour codes

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, July 9: A nationwide strike called by the joint platform of central trade unions saw a significant impact across the Kolhan region on Tuesday, as workers in public sector banks, insurance and several government and private organizations joined the protest, bringing operations to a halt.

The strike was organized in protest against the Central Government’s move to implement four new labour codes, which unions say are anti-worker and pro-corporate. These codes, passed in Parliament in 2020 under controversial circumstances, have not yet been implemented due to ongoing opposition from workers’ organizations. However, fresh attempts to enforce them have sparked renewed agitation.

In Jamshedpur, over 1,000 workers took out a rally from Sakchi Ambagan to the District Collector’s office. Leaders from INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, AIUTUC, FMRAI, AIDSO and AISF addressed the crowd, demanding the withdrawal of the four labour codes and action on 17 key demands. These include halting privatization, ensuring employment, curbing inflation, reducing tax burdens, securing legal rights for unorganized workers and guaranteeing access to free health, education and sanitation services.

Speaking during the rally, INTUC’s Rakeshwar Pandey said, “The government is attempting to dismantle decades of workers’ rights earned through struggle and sacrifice.” CITU’s Biswajit Dev added, “The new labour codes will strip workers of basic protections like minimum wage, job security, workplace safety and collective bargaining.”

Solidarity events were also held in Bodam, Baharagora, Patamda, Potka and Ghatshila under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha.

The unions pledged to continue their fight until the government withdraws the labour codes and addresses the full list of demands aimed at securing workers’ rights and social justice.