Kerala CM Criticizes Central Labour Policies as Threat to Workers’ Rights

Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, criticised the central government's labour policies, accusing them of prioritising corporate interests over workers' rights. He highlighted concerns over the new labour codes, which he argued dilute protections and could undermine job security. Vijayan called for a democratic resistance to safeguard workers' welfare and historical labour gains.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched a scathing attack on the central government, accusing it of sidelining workers' rights in favor of corporate interests. In a speech at a Labour Conclave, Vijayan expressed concerns over newly introduced labour codes, maintaining that they undermine labour protections achieved through decades of struggle.

Vijayan contended that the new laws, approved without significant parliamentary discourse, threaten to erode job security and promote privatization, thereby favoring a small group of corporates over the wider working population. He argued that the shift in policy focus from protecting workers to facilitating businesses has detrimental effects on labour rights.

The Chief Minister called for united, democratic action against these changes, emphasizing the need to uphold constitutional values. He asserted that this isn't just a workers' issue but a challenge to the democratic fabric and future of India. Vijayan urged for a collective resistance to safeguard the legacy of labour movements in the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)