Kerala Takes a Firm Stand: The Battle Against Centre's Controversial Labour Codes

Kerala, a state long known for its robust advocacy for workers' rights, is once again making headlines. This time, it's a defiant stance against the Union government's much-debated new labour codes. V Sivankutty, the state’s outspoken Education and Labour Minister, recently reiterated Kerala's firm opposition, labelling these codes unequivocally as "anti-labour." It’s clear the state isn't just raising an eyebrow; they’re drawing a line in the sand.

Minister Sivankutty didn't mince words when expressing his concerns, highlighting a fundamental flaw right from the outset: the conspicuous lack of genuine consultation. He pointed out that critical stakeholders, particularly trade unions representing millions of workers, were largely excluded from the drafting process. How can you overhaul laws affecting such a vast segment of the population without their input? It's a question that many, not just in Kerala, are asking.

The core of Kerala's objection, however, runs deeper than just process. The proposed changes, Sivankutty argued, fundamentally undermine the hard-won rights of workers. Imagine the shift: moving from an established eight-hour workday to potentially twelve hours. That’s a significant leap, and for many, it signals a regressive step, a return to conditions workers fought decades to overcome. Furthermore, the codes, he believes, would make it exceedingly difficult for employees to form unions or engage in collective protests – crucial mechanisms for ensuring fair treatment and respectable wages. Essentially, they'd be left with significantly weakened bargaining power, a situation ripe for exploitation by employers.

It seems the central government’s focus on "ease of doing business" is, in Kerala's view, coming at the direct expense of workers' welfare. Sivankutty articulated this concern eloquently, stating that the codes are designed to benefit industrialists and entrepreneurs rather than protect the very backbone of the economy – its workforce. This isn't a new sentiment from Kerala; the state’s legislative assembly actually passed a resolution against these very codes back in 2021, underscoring a consistent and unwavering commitment to its labour-friendly policies.

So, what exactly are these contentious codes? They’re an ambitious attempt by the Centre to consolidate 29 existing central labour laws into four broader categories: the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Social Security Code, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code. While the central government has officially notified these codes, they haven't actually come into force nationwide. Why? Because individual states are required to frame and notify their own rules under these codes, and many, including several ruled by the BJP, are still dragging their feet or, like Kerala, outright refusing to comply as they are currently structured.

Minister Sivankutty made it crystal clear: Kerala will not implement these codes in their current form. He stressed the imperative for a broader, national debate, a true dialogue that involves all stakeholders, especially the unions. After all, the rights and dignity of workers aren't just state matters; they're national priorities. Kerala's firm stance isn't merely political posturing; it's a testament to a deeply held belief in protecting the rights and improving the living standards of its working class.