### Nationwide Protests Erupt in India Over Controversial New Labour Codes The Indian political landscape is currently witnessing significant unrest as the Congress party and major trade unions have vehemently criticized the government's newly implemented labour codes, labeling them as "anti-worker" and "draconian." These codes, which were rolled out last week, have sparked widespread protests across the country, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for workers' rights and social security. The protests are a response to perceived threats to job security and collective bargaining rights, with unions accusing the government of favoring employers at the expense of workers' protections [https://www.thehawk.in/news/india/congress-slams-new-labour-codes-calls-them-anti-worker-launches-nationwide-protest, https://weeklyvoice.com/nationwide-protests-erupt-in-india-as-unions-and-government-clash-over-new-labour-codes]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of the Labour Codes** - Overview of the new labour codes and their intended purpose. - Initial reactions from trade unions and political parties. 2. **Nature of the Protests** - Description of the protests organized by trade unions. - Key demands from the protesting groups. 3. **Government's Position** - The government's rationale for implementing the new codes. - Responses from officials regarding the protests. 4. **Implications for Workers and Unions** - Potential impacts of the new codes on workers' rights. - The historical context of trade unions in India and their current challenges. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Protests and Participation**: - Thousands of workers participated in demonstrations across various states, organized by a coalition of ten central trade unions and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) [https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Nov/26/employees-protest-across-country-demanding-withdrawal-of-new-labour-codes]. - **Union Statements**: - Unions have described the new codes as a "deceptive fraud" that undermines essential worker protections, with calls for their immediate withdrawal [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/trade-unions-oppose-new-labor-codes-call-for-india-wide-protests/story]. - **Government's Defense**: - Officials argue that the new framework modernizes outdated laws and is essential for attracting investment and creating formal jobs, despite union claims to the contrary [https://apnews.com/article/india-labor-codes-unions-protest-f98bbda57216ffcf67ffb0b034525b23]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Background**: The Indian government has implemented new labour codes that have been met with fierce opposition from trade unions and political parties, who argue that these changes threaten workers' rights and job security [https://www.thehawk.in/news/india/congress-slams-new-labour-codes-calls-them-anti-worker-launches-nationwide-protest]. 2. **Protests**: Nationwide protests have erupted, organized by major trade unions, demanding the withdrawal of these codes. The protests represent a significant mobilization of workers against perceived anti-labour policies [https://weeklyvoice.com/nationwide-protests-erupt-in-india-as-unions-and-government-clash-over-new-labour-codes]. 3. **Government's Position**: The government defends the new labour codes as necessary reforms aimed at modernizing the labour market and enhancing social security, despite widespread criticism from unions [https://apnews.com/article/india-labor-codes-unions-protest-f98bbda57216ffcf67ffb0b034525b23]. 4. **Implications**: The ongoing protests highlight a critical moment for workers' rights in India, as unions rally to protect their interests against what they perceive as a significant rollback of hard-won protections [https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Nov/26/employees-protest-across-country-demanding-withdrawal-of-new-labour-codes]. In conclusion, the clash between the Indian government and trade unions over the new labour codes underscores a broader struggle for workers' rights in the country, with significant implications for the future of labor relations in India.