Cong calls new labour codes ‘draconian’

The Congress on Thursday intensified its attack on the Centre over the recently implemented labour codes, calling them “draconian” and a direct assault on India’s 44 crore unorganised workers. Addressing a press briefing at AICC headquarters, former MP and Chairman of the Unorganised Workers and Employees Congress (KKC), Udit Raj, said massive protests have already begun across the country and will continue in the coming weeks. The Congress leader said the four labour codes that came into force on November 21 were designed to weaken workers’ rights, dilute social security, and give unprecedented freedom to employers. “The Congress strongly opposes these new labour codes. Everywhere in the country, protests have begun. On November 22, we held a demonstration at Shram Shakti Bhawan and told the government that these laws are anti-worker,” he said. @@@