Unfulfilled promises, labour codes: CITU, AITUC rally in Visakhapatnam

Two trade unions held separate rallies in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, pressing the State and Central governments to address a range of workers’ demands. The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) organised demonstrations in different parts of the city.

The CITU-affiliated Visakha Auto Rickshaw Workers’ Union marched from the Railway Station to the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) office via the Divisional Railway Manager’s office and Dwaraka Junction. Union district general secretary K. Satyanarayana alleged that the State government had promised a welfare board for auto drivers, subsidies on petrol and diesel, and implementation of the Vahana Mitra scheme. He said these promises had not been fulfilled two years after the coalition government assumed office. The union maintained that a welfare board would provide much-needed social security and financial assistance to auto rickshaw drivers, many of whom face economic hardship due to rising fuel costs and competition.

The union also alleged that police were photographing autorickshaws, imposing heavy fines during enforcement drives against school autos, and handing over Regional Transport Office (RTO) functions to private persons. It warned that it would intensify protests if the demands were not met before the GVMC elections. Union leaders said the enforcement actions had become a source of harassment for drivers and called for fair treatment.

Separately, the Visakha District Council of the AITUC held a workers’ rally from Jagadamba Junction to the Gandhi statue near the GVMC office, followed by a protest. The AITUC alleged that the Central and State governments were pursuing 'anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-people' policies. It demanded the withdrawal of the four labour codes, a minimum wage of ₹26,000, an eight-hour working day, and the regularisation of contract, outsourced and scheme workers, including anganwadi, ASHA and mid-day meal staff.

District general secretary G.S.J. Atchuta Rao and other office-bearers, along with a large number of workers, participated in the demonstration. The protesters carried banners and raised slogans in support of their demands.

The four labour codes — on wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety, and working conditions — consolidate 29 existing labour laws. The government has defended the codes as measures to streamline regulations and promote ease of doing business. Trade unions, however, contend that the codes weaken worker protections, dilute safety norms and reduce bargaining power. They have also argued that the redefinition of basic wages could result in lower take-home pay for workers, as allowances are capped at 50% of the wage. The demand for their withdrawal has been a recurring theme in protests across the country.

The AITUC has also called for a statutory minimum wage of ₹26,000 per month, arguing that the current wage structure is inadequate for meeting the cost of living. The demand for regularisation of contract, outsourced and scheme workers, including those in anganwadi, ASHA and mid-day meal schemes, reflects the growing concern over precarious employment in both public and private sectors. Workers in these roles often receive low salaries and limited benefits, despite performing essential services.

The demand for an eight-hour working day, while already a legal norm in many sectors, is being pressed by the unions amid concerns that the new labour codes could allow for longer working hours and reduce overtime compensation. The unions have called for strict enforcement of working time regulations.

The rallies in Visakhapatnam are part of a broader pattern of labour agitations across India, with unions objecting to the labour codes and demanding better social security. As the GVMC elections approach, the CITU-affiliated union has warned of intensified protests if its demands are not addressed. The AITUC, meanwhile, has said it will continue its campaign for higher wages and job security. The demonstrations highlight the ongoing friction between labour unions and governments over economic and social policy priorities.