Why Are Opposition MPs Rallying Against New Labour Codes in Parliament?

In a significant protest at the Parliament House, several Opposition MPs, including prominent Congress leaders, rallied against the newly introduced labour codes, demanding their immediate repeal. The protest highlighted concerns over the consolidation of existing labour laws into four new codes, which have faced criticism for unclear provisions and potential negative impacts on workers' rights. Key reforms proposed in these codes include mandatory appointment letters and enhanced social security, but trade unions have raised alarms over possible discretionary actions by the government. This article delves into the details of the protest and the implications of the new labour regulations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 3, 2025, 14:37 IST

Opposition MPs Unite in Protest Against Labour Codes

In New Delhi, a significant number of Opposition Members of Parliament, including Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and former party heads Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, staged a protest on Wednesday against the newly introduced labour codes within the Parliament House complex, calling for their repeal.

Members from various parties, such as Congress, DMK, TMC, and Left factions, gathered in front of the Makar Dwar of Parliament to voice their dissent.

The protesting MPs displayed posters and placards denouncing the new labour regulations while chanting slogans demanding their withdrawal.

Notable figures in attendance included Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, TMC's Dola Sen, DMK's K Kanhimozhi and A Raja, CPI(M)'s John Brittas, and CPI(ML) Liberation's Sudama Prasad.

The MPs also showcased a large banner that proclaimed, 'No to Corporate Jungle Raj, Yes to Labour Justice.'

Last month, the government officially announced the four labour codes that had been pending since 2020.

The Congress party has claimed that the existing 29 labour laws have been consolidated into these four codes.

The four codes consist of the Code of Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020), and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020).

Key reforms proposed include mandatory issuance of appointment letters to workers for job security, universal social security coverage for gig, platform, contract, and migrant workers, statutory minimum wages, and timely payments across all sectors.

Additionally, the reforms aim to enhance rights and safety for women, including provisions for night shifts and mandatory grievance committees, as well as free annual health check-ups for workers aged 40 and above.

However, these codes have faced backlash from trade unions due to vague retrenchment provisions and potential discretionary actions by central or state governments during implementation.

The new regulations have also increased the threshold for mandatory government approval for closures, layoffs, or retrenchments from 100 to 300 workers, while extending working hours in factories from 9 to 12 hours and in shops from 9 to 10 hours.