521 arrested in Thoothukudi as trade unions protest against Centre's policies

At least 521 people, including farmers and trade union members, were arrested on Monday during "road roko" protests held at six locations in Thoothukudi district. The demonstrations were part of a nationwide "jail bharo" (fill the jail) campaign organised by trade unions to press their demands against the policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government.

Protests were held in Thoothukudi, Kovilpatti, Tiruchendur, Vilathikulam, Seydunganallur and Srivaikuntam. Trade unions such as the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), Marxist Labour Federation (MLF), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Tamil Nadu Trade Union Congress (TUTC) and All India United Trade Union Congress (AIUTUC) participated.

The protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of the four labour codes, which they claimed would weaken workers' rights. They also urged the government to protect public sector undertakings from being handed over to private entities and to strengthen labour and trade union rights. AITUC and other unions have consistently opposed these codes since they were passed by Parliament in 2019 and 2020.

The four labour codes — the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Code on Social Security, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code — were enacted to consolidate and simplify labour regulations. The government has said they will improve the ease of doing business. However, trade unions have objected to several provisions, including restrictions on strikes, reduced social security coverage, and the lack of a universal minimum wage.

In addition, the protesters condemned alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and demanded the creation of more employment opportunities. They urged the Union government to abandon the proposed India-US trade agreement, saying it would adversely affect the rural economy. They also called for a national welfare fund with adequate allocation for the welfare of unorganised sector workers.

The India-US trade agreement is currently under negotiation, with both sides aiming to finalise a limited trade deal. Protesters contended that such an agreement could harm small farmers and local industries. The government has not yet responded to these specific concerns.

Police said the arrests were made across six police station limits in the district. Among the 521 arrested were around 200 women. They were taken into custody for allegedly violating prohibitory orders during the road roko.

The "jail bharo" protest is a form of civil disobedience in which activists court arrest to draw attention to their demands. Trade unions have been carrying out similar protests in other parts of the country to highlight issues related to workers, farmers and the unorganised sector.