New Delhi: As several trade unions across India gear up for a nationwide Bharat Bandh on May 20 in protest against the implementation of new labour codes, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has officially declared that it will not participate in the strike. The organisation has urged its units and affiliates to stay away from the bandh, terming it politically motivated and misleading for workers.
The central government had, between 2019 and 2020, consolidated 29 existing labour laws into four comprehensive labour codes:
- The Code on Wages, 2019
- The Code on Social Security, 2020
- The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
- The Industrial Relations Code, 2020
Among these, the BMS has expressed its support for the Code on Wages and the Code on Social Security, calling them landmark reforms. According to BMS, the Code on Wages introduces, for the first time, a nationwide floor-level minimum wage decided by the central government, while also empowering state governments to set higher wages. Importantly, the code ensures that any worker putting in an 8-hour shift, regardless of employment type, is eligible for minimum wages — a major shift from earlier laws that applied only to scheduled employment sectors.
Similarly, the Code on Social Security is being lauded by BMS for extending benefits to gig and platform workers — a first in Indian labour law. Another major improvement, as highlighted by the union, is that employees will continue to receive treatment from ESIC hospitals even if their employer fails to deposit the required contributions — a provision not available earlier.
While supporting two of the codes, the BMS has recommended that the government revisit and revise the Industrial Relations Code and the Occupational Safety Code after thorough consultation with all stakeholders. The union acknowledges that the government has initiated dialogue, but believes more serious engagement is necessary.
Criticising the upcoming Bharat Bandh, the BMS argues that some trade unions are using the issue to pursue political agendas, thereby confusing workers and creating unrest. The organisation maintains that dialogue and constructive feedback — not disruptive protests — are the right way forward.
The BMS has also called upon the government to expedite the process of amending the two remaining labour codes to ensure they are more inclusive, balanced, and worker-friendly.
Earlier the BMS directed its affiliates to stand firmly with Govt in wake of “Operation Sindoor” & postpone any agitation decided.
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