The Centre of Indian Trade Unions will launch an indefinite protest at Jantar Mantar on December 1. They want the government to repeal anti-worker labour codes and protect basic rights. Many workers face poor conditions, and the union now demands a minimum monthly wage of ₹42,000 and better social security.
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) will launch an indefinite protest at Jantar Mantar demanding protection of workers' rights and repeal of 'anti-worker' labour codes
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) will launch an indefinite protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from December 1, demanding protection of workers' rights and repeal of 'anti-worker' labour codes.
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.
She also expressed concern over malnutrition and poor health indicators, citing stunted growth among 29% to 35.5% of children and anaemia among 57% of women.
Alleging that workers protesting violations of livelihood rights and workplace deaths were being victimised through dismissals, criminal cases, and arrest, Ms. Varalakshmi said such measures undermined democratic rights.
The agitation would press for protection of workers' livelihoods, social security, and democratic rights.
CITU'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 pension of ₹21,000, and comprehensive social security for unorganised-sector workers.
The union also seeks filling vacant posts, regularisation of contract workers, equal pay for equal work, workplace safety, protection of water, land and forests, and land cultivation certificates for bagair hukum cultivators.
Its demands further include scrapping the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.