One lakh workers to converge on Jantar Mantar as CITU begins indefinite protest on December 1
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) will begin an indefinite protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from December 1, demanding protection of workers' rights and the repeal of the labour codes, which the union describes as anti-worker.
Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on November 2, CITU State unit president S. Varalakshmi said more than one lakh workers from across the country are expected to participate. Around 40,000 travel tickets have already been booked by workers from Karnataka and other States, she said.
Referring to Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and livelihood, she said the condition of unorganised and daily-wage workers continues to deteriorate. Citing National Crime Records Bureau data, she said 52,910 suicides among unorganised and daily-wage workers were reported in 2024.
Ms. Varalakshmi also expressed concern over malnutrition and poor health indicators, citing stunting among 29% to 35.5% of children and anaemia among 57% of women.
She alleged that workers protesting against violations of livelihood rights and workplace deaths were being victimised through dismissals, criminal cases and arrests, and said such measures undermined democratic rights. The agitation, she said, would press for protection of workers' livelihoods, social security and democratic rights.
The union's demands include repeal of the labour codes; recognition of scheme workers as workers with statutory benefits; a minimum monthly wage of ₹42,000 and a pension of ₹21,000; and comprehensive social security for workers in the unorganised sector.
CITU also seeks the filling of vacant posts, regularisation of contract workers, equal pay for equal work, and workplace safety. Its charter includes protection of water, land and forests, and the issue of land cultivation certificates to bagair hukum cultivators, a term used for farmers who cultivate land without formal title.
The union's demands further include scrapping the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The four labour codes were passed by Parliament in 2019 and 2020 and consolidate 29 existing labour laws covering wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety and health. Their operationalisation has been pending while rules are framed, and several trade unions have opposed provisions they say dilute worker protections. The Union government has defended the codes, stating that they simplify labour regulation and extend social security coverage.
The December 1 protest is the latest in a series of actions by central trade unions against the codes. Jantar Mantar is a designated site in the capital for public demonstrations. The turnout and duration of the agitation will depend on participation from workers across States.
