Govt to proceed with labour reforms despite protests

Even as central Trade Unions on Friday organised a nationwide protest against amendments in labour laws, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya reiterated the government’s resolve to go ahead with the reforms.

The protest saw all 11 trade unions on one platform, including the CITU, AITUC, INTUC, HMS, and the RSS-affiliated BMS. 

As a part of the nationwide protest, the unions organised a massive demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.  

Senior trade unionist and AITUC leader Gurudas Dasgupta said the unity of trade unions was historic.

The unions targeted liberal economic policies, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in core sectors like defence, and disinvestment of Public Sector Units (PSUs). 

They said these steps are not only against the interest of workers, but also harmful to the nation. The unions also opposed opening up of railways, and demanded a curb on price rise.