Pandemic 4

MAY 28
The union said it is also happy to note that states like UP and Rajasthan have withdrawn the earlier notified work shift of 12 hours as against 8 hours and have urged other states to follow suit. 

“Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) places on record its appreciation on the bold stand taken by the central government on the issues related to labour which were raised by the BMS through countrywide protest,” BMS general secretary Vrijesh Upadhaya said in a statement. 

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/appreciate-govts-stand-against-relaxing-labour-laws-bhartiya-mazdoor-sangh/articleshow/76063675.cms

MAY 25

Centre likely to fast-track changes for uniform flexi labour laws 

The Centre could tweak labour law changes and fast-track their implementation to supersede ordinances issued by three BJP-ruled states to ensure uniform regulations that offer flexibility to new and existing businesses across the country. 
“This is needed as multinational companies looking at relocating from China to India would prefer flexible central laws over state laws for uniformity of operations across different locations,” the official said 

“Industry has requested the government to create a right ecosystem for employers to grow while keeping in mind the wellbeing of workers,” said one person familiar with deliberations on the matter. 
The person said restricting exemption from labour laws to just new establishments, as proposed by some states, was not justified. 
One of the proposals being examined is speeding up the reform measures, said another official. 
“Ordinance route could be adopted to enact the labour codes"

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/centre-for-uniform-flexi-labour-laws/articleshow/75958644.cms

In a response to the unions on May 22, the chief of the Freedom Of Association Branch of the ILO's International Labour Standards Department, Karen Curtis, wrote: “Please allow me to assure you that the ILO Director-General has immediately intervened, expressing his deep concern at these recent events and appealing to the Prime Minister to send a clear message to Central and State governments to uphold the country's international commitments and encourage engagement in effective social dialogue”.

The unions that sent the representation to the ILO were the Indian National Trade Union Congress, the All-India Trade Union Congress, the Hind Mazdoor Sabha, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, the All-India United Trade Union Centre, the Trade Union Coordination Committee, the Self Employed Women’s Association, the All-India Central Council of Trade Unions, the Labour Progressive Federation and the United Trade Union Congress.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ilo-urged-pm-modi-to-send-clear-message-on-changes-in-labour-laws/article31669202.ece

Pandemic 3

MAY 24

Reforms do not mean complete abolition of labour laws, says NITI Aaayog VC Rajiv Kumar 

I have just noticed that the Union Ministry of Labour is firming up its stance to tell the states that they cannot abolish labour laws because India is a signatory to the International Labour Organization (ILO)," Kumar told PTI in an interview. 


"Therefore, it is clear that the Union government does not believe that the reform of labour laws implies complete lack of labour laws... The government is committed to protecting the interest of workers," he said. 

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/reforms-do-not-mean-complete-abolition-of-labour-laws-says-rajiv-kumar/articleshow/75941042.cms

MAY 23

Unions stage protests, urge PM for relief to migrants

Ten central trade unions staged protests across the country and wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, seeking immediate cash assistance for migrant workers affected by the lockdown and a halt to the dilution of labour laws in several States. In their petition, the unions said stranded workers should be sent home safely, the public distribution system should be made universal, workers should be paid wages for the lockdown period and a cash transfer of ₹7,500 should be done for three months to all non-income tax- paying households.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/unions-stage-protests-urge-pm-for-relief-to-migrants/article31655257.ece


KARNATAKA 10 Hours

The State government on Friday notified a 10-hour work shift per day, up from eight hours, for a period of three months. Similarly, the number of weekly working hours was raised to 60 from 48. This came amid opposition from workers’ unions to any increase in working hours.

The three-month window started on Friday and will end on August 21. The notification issued by the Labour Department was made under Section 5 of the Factories Act that equips the government to make changes in “emergency” situations for a maximum of three months.

https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/state-notifies-10-hour-work-shift-for-three-months/article31655364.ece

MAY 20 

EPF Reduction

As a result of reduction in statutory rate of contributions from 12% to 10%, the employee shall have a higher take home pay due to reduction in deduction from his pay on account of EPF contributions and employer shall also have his liability reduced by 2% of wages of his employees

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-lockdown-epf-rate-cut-to-benefit-employees-employers/article31625499.ece

MAY 19

The Union Home Ministry has dropped a crucial order that required all employers — shops, industry and commercial establishments — to pay wages to workers for the period the units were shut during lockdown. The order that has now been dropped also called for action against landlords who forced students and migrant workers to vacate the premises during the lockdown.

Several companies had moved the Supreme Court against the order last week and the apex court asked the government to not take any coercive against them.

“Save as otherwise provided in the guidelines annexed to this order, all order issued by the NEC under Section 10(2)(I) of the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005, shall cease to have effect from 18.05.2020,” the May 17 order said.


https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/centre-drops-order-on-wages-during-lockdown/article31619083.ece

Pandemic Reforms 2

MAY 10

Odisha, Goa go for 12-hour workdays, Karnataka may ease labour norms too 
Odisha and Goa relaxed labour laws under the Factories Act of 1948 on Friday and approved 12-hour daily work shifts — four hours more than the current 8 hours — for three months due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Both states said the workers would be paid overtime for the extra hours. 
“No worker shall be allowed or required to work in a factory more than 12 hours in any day and 72 hours in any week,” an official notification by the Odisha Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department said. It added that no worker would work for more than six hours before a half-hour rest. 

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/odisha-goa-go-for-12-hour-workdays-karnataka-may-ease-labour-norms-too/articleshow/75653598.cms

MAY 11

BMS to oppose suspension of labour laws by some States
The RSS-affiliated workers’ organisation Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh on Monday asked its State units to oppose the “unilateral withdrawal of labour laws” that some States have implemented and others are considering.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bms-to-oppose-suspension-of-labour-laws-by-some-states/article31559722.ece

Trade unions may move ILO against labour law changes

Central trade unions consider these moves as an inhuman crime and brutality on the working people, besides being gross violation of the Right to Freedom of Association [ILO Convention 87], Rights to Collective Bargaining [ILO Convention 98] and also the internationally accepted norm of eight hour working day – espoused by core conventions of ILO. The ILO Convention 144 in regard to tripartism has also been undermined by the government,” it said.The statement was signed by representatives of the Indian National Trade Union Congress, the All-India Trade Union Congress, the Hind Mazdoor Sabha, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, the All-India United Trade Union Centre, the Trade Union Coordination Committee, the Self Employed Women’s Association, the All-India Central Council of Trade Unions, the Labour Progressive Federation and the United Trade Union Congress.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/trade-unions-may-move-ilo-against-labour-law-changes/article31556244.ece

Experts back ‘bold’ labour reforms 

“It is a good move. For the time we are giving the needed flexibility to employers. State governments, working in close cooperation with workers’ representative organisations, will ensure workers’ interests are protected while giving flexibility,” Rajiv Kumar, vice chairman of government think tank Niti Aayog, told TOI. 
“A new beginning has been made and more states will hopefully follow,” he said. 
Another top policymaker said the reforms will help the country get rid of archaic laws and make it an even more attractive investment destination. “These are the boldest and bravest reforms and will free the country from antiquated and outdated laws,” Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said. He said the proposed reforms were aimed at attracting global investments, protecting and creating jobs across states which have undertaken these reforms. 

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/experts-back-bold-labour-reforms/articleshow/75668802.cms

MAY 12


Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Mahtab said, “We have written to the States seeking information related to the changes they have made in labour laws. They have utilised two instruments — using the executive order or ordinance. Whatever be the instrument, it has to get the sanction of the legislature and subsequently it will be scrutinised in the court of law.”

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/parliamentary-panel-questions-dilution-of-labour-laws/article31568334.ece

View: We will never get this opportunity for reforms again 
By Amitabh Kant - VC NITI

India has so far had the most inflexible labour market regulations, which hindered large scale investments, productivity and enhancement, technology absorption and high employment growth in Indian manufacturing. This has been the main reason why our enterprises have remained small in size and scale, leading to high informal employment. Our migrant crisis is a consequence of laws that protected workers and not jobs, adversely impacting economies of scale and ensuring rampant informalisation.Several studies have shown that these laws hampered the ability of an enterprise to respond to changing business dynamics. Labour regulations with the intention of protecting the workers in the organised sector, were unintentionally preventing the expansion of industrial employment that could benefit a large mass of new workers. 

The good thing about the new initiative is that all clauses related to minimum wages, the number of hours, safety and security measures have been kept fully functional; those related to child and bonded labour will also remain applicable. Another important feature that states must ensure is that terminated employees must get 45 days’ worth of salary for every year of work, as has been done in the case of Gujarat for SEZs. 

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/view-we-will-never-get-this-opportunity-for-reforms-again/articleshow/75688771.cms

MAY 13


The Puducherry Labour Department has temporarily extended working hours to 12 hours in a bid to boost efficiency of industries reopening with reduced workforce following gradual lifting of lockdown regulations.

A notification from the department said that the work hours have been revised from eight to 12 hours for a period of three months.

https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/puducherry-revises-working-hours-from-eight-to-12/article31570297.ece

MAY 15

10 unions to protest against labour law changes on May 22

Ten central trade unions said on Friday that it would stage a nationwide protest on May 22 against the changes in labour laws in several States.

In a joint statement, the unions said they would also send a representation to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on the “violations being committed by the Government of India in regard to all the international commitments to labour standards and human rights”.

The suspension of a large number of labour laws for three years by Uttar Pradesh and the Madhya Pradesh government’s decision to allow companies to “hire and fire” workers at will marked the second stage of anti-worker steps after Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab increased the daily working hours from eight to 12, the unions said.

The unions are the Indian National Trade Union Congress, the All India Trade Union Congress, the Hind Mazdoor Sabha, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, the All India United Trade Union Centre, the Trade Union Coordination Committee, the Self Employed Women’s Association, the All India Central Council of Trade Unions, the Labour Progressive Federation and the United Trade Union Congress.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/10-unions-to-protest-against-labour-law-changes-on-may-22/article31595958.ece


MAY 17

U.P. withdraws notification on increased work hours

The decision was challenged in the Allahabad High Court through a petition by the U.P. Workers Front. After the court issued the State a notice in the matter, Suresh Chandra, principal secretary, Labour department, in an order dated May 15 directed the hief State counsel to inform the court that the notification to increase work hours was withdrawn.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/up-withdraws-notification-on-increased-work-hours/article31606886.ece

Labour Laws and the Pandemic

MAY 09


Eight political parties pan dilution of labour lawsGujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab have extended the working hours from eight to 12 without amending the Factories Act. The parties said others States are likely to join this list.Eight political parties have written to President Ramnath Kovind protesting the dilution of labour laws, including extending the daily working hours from eight to twelve in six States, on the pretext of battling the COVID-19 pandemic.The joint letter, signed by CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI general secretary D. Raja, CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattarcharya, All-India Forward Bloc general secretary Debabrata Biswas, Revolutionary Socialist Party general secretary Manoj Bhattacharya, RJD MP Manoj Jha, Sharad Yadav’s Lok Jantantrik Party, and president of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi Thol. Thirumavalavan, said the workers are being treated as slaves.

https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/eight-political-parties-pan-dilution-of-labour-laws/article31539445.ece


Enable longer work hours: CII to Centre
"Further, it sought removal of labour advisories issued under the Disaster Management Act that prohibits employers from any wage reduction, layoff and retrenchment of workers. “... the MHA has now eased permissions to private establishments to resume operations. With commencement of economic activity, we request you kindly remove the applicability of DM Act for industry and let the Labour Laws preside.”
On review of labour laws, the industry body said it is critical that these changes are not rushed into without addressing industry concerns. “This is especially relevant today when the industry is redefining its business models and working practices in many sectors as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Labour codes should be further reviewed to enable greater ease of doing business and encourage entrepreneurship."

https://www.thehindu.com/business/enable-longer-work-hours-cii-to-centre/article31546269.ece


MAHARASHTRA
Maharashtra’s labour department has exempted industries registered under The Factories Act, 1948, from four sections of this Act related to working hours of the staff, till June 30. This is being done in view of the labour shortage following the nationwide lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. With the exemption from Sections 51,52, 54 and 56, employers can allow labourers to work in two shifts of 12 hours each.

This is not an amendment to the Act, but exemption from certain sections for limited period of time, that is June 30. It is evident that industries which are being allowed to work are facing massive shortage of labour. Unless we made some changes and exemptions, it would have been next to impossible for them to start functioning, 

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/maharashtra-tweaks-labour-laws-to-increase-working-hours/article31539307.ece



KERALA
Making clear that Kerala has not taken any steps to dilute labour laws, Labour Minister T.P. Ramakrishnan says the government is taking necessary steps to promote investment while protecting the rights of workers.

“Earlier this year, the Centre brought in the Labour Code on Industrial Relations, 2019, consolidating 44 existing labour laws into four codes out of which one, the Wage code, was passed in Rajya Sabha with even the Congress supporting it. In the standing committee discussions on the other codes, the Left and some parties moved amendments and dissent notes, while the Congress did not. The latest moves by the States come in such circumstances, irking the INTUC and even the RSS-affiliated BMS who have made their opposition clear.,” said Mr. Kareem

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/state-will-not-dilute-labour-laws-says-labour-minister/article31545374.ece



ODISHA“In exercise of power conferred by Section 5 and 65 of the Factories Act, 1948, the Government of Odisha hereby directs that all the factories registered under the said Act will be exempted from provisions relating to weekly, daily hours and interval of rest of adult workers under Section 51, 54, 55 and 56 for a period of three months and a 12-hour shift is allowed in the period,” says a government notification.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coronavirus-lockdown-odisha-extends-work-shift-to-12-hours/article31540556.ece




MAY 8



Suspend labour laws for 2-3 years, employers’ associations urge governmentAmong the suggestions given by the employers’ associations were relaxation of the Industrial Disputes Act in order to treat the lockdown period as lay-off, treating wages paid during this period as corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding, increasing the maximum workforce to 50% from 33% upon reopening and suspending labour laws, except those governing minimum wages, bonus and statutory dues, for two to three years. The employers’ representatives also said working hours should be increased to 12 hours a day and the industries be given an appropriate package to ensure no job losses.
Among the participants were representatives of the Council of Indian Employers, FICCI, ASSOCHAM and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-lockdown-suspend-labour-laws-for-2-3-years-employers-associations-urge-government/article31537997.ece


KARNATAKAIn another U-turn, the Labour Department, which on Wednesday had decided to issue notice to employers for not paying salary or full wages for April, stopped execution of this order within less than 24 hours after it received more than 700 complaints from workers.
The decision not to issue notice to employers came apparently after Labour Minister A. Shivaram Hebbar directed officials on Thursday not to. Sources said that by then, the department had received 730 complaints from aggrieved workers on its helpline

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/labour-department-makes-a-u-turn-on-issuing-notice-to-employers-on-wages/article31530083.ece

The following suggestions were given by the representatives of the Employers Organizations:(i) Relaxation of the provisions of Industrial Disputes Act to treat the lockdown period as lay-off;(ii) Keeping in view the difficulties being faced by the industry and liquidity crisis, the wages paid by to the workers may be covered under expenses under CSR funds;(iii) To increase the maximum limit of 33% workforce to atleast 50% of the workforce after the reopening of the industry to allow increase of goods and services to optimum level;(iv) to waive the PMGKY’s condition of covering only those enterprises whose 90% or more employees were drawing monthly wages less than Rs 15,000 under the Scheme so that more workers can be covered under the scheme;(v) To suspend the labour laws for the next 2-3 years except the provisions like minimum wages, bonus and statutory dues, to help industry to come out of the present crisis;(vi) To increase the working hours to 12 hours per day.(vii) To provide an appropriate package to the industries so that the business is sustainable and there is no loss of job opportunities.(viii) Power supply to the industry may be provided at subsidized rates.(ix) The status of Migrant Labour is a matter of serious concern. A programme may be formulated for return of these migrant labour to work by providing counseling to alleviate their fears on Covid-19, providing financial help for their transportation, providing free groceries for about six months, etc.(x) To create a databank of Migrant Labour. To create a national epidemic fund to help the workers of unorganized sector and daily wagers.(xi) Reduce social security costs on both employees and employers.(xii) Instead of different zones like red, orange and green, there should only be zones viz. containment zone and non-containment zones to facilitate easy movement of workers and goods. Allow all activities in the non-containment zones.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1622243

MAY 7


Madhya Pradesh
"The newly opened industrial units can organise third-party inspections. They will be exempted from the requirement of keeping registers and inspections. And industries can change shifts at their convenience.New industries will be exempted from all Sections of the Factories Act, 1948, except for Sections 6, 7, 8, 21-41 (H), 59, 67, 68, 79, 88 and 112. “...we have relaxed the Sections for three months and proposed to the Centre to extend the relaxation for 1,000 days,” Mr. Chouhan said in a live video address from Bhopal.
The new units will be exempted from the entire Section in the Act on ‘right of workers’ that empowers workers to obtain details of their health and safety at work. Further, the employer is not bound to provide to workers ventilation, lighting, toilets, sitting facilities, first aid boxes, protective equipment, canteens, crèches, weekly holidays and interval of rest. Not even providing drinking water is mandatory now.Further, maintenance of register of adult and child workers and allowing for advance payments will not apply to new units. They can even get away without maintaining cleanliness on premises and ensuring safe disposal of waste and effluents. The entire chapter on ‘Penalties and Procedure’, fixing responsibility on employers in case of the violation of the Act, will not apply to the new units. Instead of 61 registers, just one will be maintained“Many firms across the world want to relocate now. And we want to invite them here. Industries have been demanding labour reforms for long. The changes, with workers’ rights kept in mind, became necessary as investors were stuck in a web of laws and red-tapism,” Mr. Chouhan said.The government has said factory registration will be done in a day now, instead of 30 days. “If the official concerned doesn’t give the go-ahead within a day, he will have to pay a fine to the aggrieved firm,” said Mr. Chouhan. And the licence should be renewed after 10 years, instead of a year.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-madhya-pradesh-pushes-working-hours-from-eight-to-12-in-factories/article31527330.ece



Uttar Pradesh
U.P. clears ordinance exempting businesses from labour laws
The Uttar Pradesh government has cleared an ordinance exempting businesses and industries from labour laws, except for a handful, for the next three years as a measure to get the State's industrial activities back on track in wake of the COVID-19 crisis.The State Cabinet gave its nod to the ‘Uttar Pradesh Temporary Exemption from Certain Labour Laws Ordinance, 2020’.The provisions would apply to all existing and new businesses and factories, the government said.However, some labour laws would continue to operate, the government said. Labour laws provisions related to women and child will continue to exist. So will The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, Building and Other Construction Workers Act 1996, Section 5 of Payment of Wages Act, 1936 and Workmen Compensation Act 1923.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/up-clears-ordinance-exempting-businesses-from-labour-laws/article31529945.ece




MAY 6

The following suggestions were given by the representatives of the Central Trade Unions:

1. To provide more trains to transport the migrant workers stranded in various parts of the country. These labourers may also be provided with financial assistance to run their families and may also be facilitated to return to work once the situation gets under control.
2. Creating a National Register for migrant workers/ unorganized workers with the facilities of portability and data transfer to help the migrant labour in getting employment and other assistance;
3.  Supporting MSMEs, particularly small and tiny industries through measures like interest waiver/restructure of on loans, providing subsidized electricity, etc.  There is also a need ensure proper supply of raw material to these industries;
4. Government need to work out strategies for sectors like hotels, cinema, sports, automobiles; severely affected due to lockdown
5. Providing subsidy to small and tiny industries in wage component so that these employers are able to pay full wages to all workers for the lockdown period, etc.
6. ASHA/Anganwadi volunteers who are doing a commendable job in reaching out to the victims of the pandemic need to be properly incentivised.
7. Workers who have lost jobs due to lockdown should also be provided cash incentives.

(viii)The working hours to the workers should not be increased during this time

(ix) Strict implementation of the labour laws and advisories issued by Ministry of Labour & Employment regarding payment of wages and non-deduction of salaries.

(x)   Monitory assistance, free supply of ration and medical facilities to the unorganized workers and daily wagers

(xi) Government to procure the farm produces so that the farmers can pay wages to the

       agricultural workers.

(xii) Train fare not be taken from the Migrant Workers going back to their home

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1621495




MAY 05

The jobs bloodbath of April 2020

by Mahesh Vyas - CMIE

The unemployment rate in the month of April 2020 was 23.5 per cent. Data for the first week of May indicates that the rate could climb further. This worsening should be expected as the lockdown continues to get prolonged. Initially, a lockdown only hurts the most vulnerable labour that is informally employed in unorganised sectors. Gradually, it starts hitting the more secure jobs. Start-ups have announced lay-offs and industry associations have warned of job losses. Even NASSCOM, India’s IT association with over 2,800 member companies, has warned of job losses. These are not mere warnings anymore because job losses are seen across all types of employment.

The Consumer Pyramids Household Survey estimates that employment fell by a massive 114 million in April 2020. In March 2020, employment had already dropped to 396 million. This was the lowest employment since we started measuring it over four years ago. Even this low level dropped dramatically by 29 per cent to 282 million in April 2020.

Average employment during 2019-20 was 404 million. Compared to this, the fall in March was a minor 2 per cent. But, they still added up to 8 million job losses. Compared to the same average of 2019-20, the fall in April is a massive 30 per cent, which translates into a loss of 122 million jobs. This is a mind boggling loss of jobs.

The unemployment rate in March was 8.7 per cent. This is the highest unemployment rate in 43 months. Or, since September 2016. The rate has climbed rather steeply from the 7.16 per cent level of January 2020. The unemployment rate has been rising steadily since its low point of 3.4 per cent in July 2017. But, the 98 basis point increase in March 2020 over the previous month, is the largest monthly increase recorded. And the 158 basis point increase over two months ended in March 2020 is similarly, the largest increase over a two month period recorded so far.

https://www.cmie.com/kommon/bin/sr.php?kall=warticle&dt=2020-05-05%2008:22:21&msec=776





MAY 1



One of the key demands of the unions is a rollback of a recent decision to increase the working hours, from 8 hours to 12 hours a day, in states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The decision was taken by the States, for a period of 3 months, to compensate for a loss of production in factories due to the lockdown.

https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/a-may-day-minus-the-solidarity-march-in-india-as-lockdown-plays-spoilsport-120050101230_1.html

Developments on Labour Laws

Jan 24 - http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/38-outdated-labour-laws-to-be-amalgamated-into-four-codes/articleshow/56763999.cms

Feb 06 - http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/govt-aims-to-pass-two-labour-bills-in-budget-session-117020500721_1.html

Active and applicable Central Labour Laws in India - 2016

1. The Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923
2. The Trade Unions Act, 1926
3. The Payment of Wages Act, 1936
4. The Employers Liability Act, 1938
5. The Children (Pledging of Labour) Act, 1938
6. The Weekly Holidays Act, 1942
7. The Mica Mines Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1946
8. The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946.
9. The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
10. The Minimum Wages Act, 1948
11. The Factories Act, 1948
12. The Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948
13. The Plantation Labour Act, 1951
14. The Mines Act, 1952
15. The Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
16. The Working Journalists and Other Newspapers Employees (Conditions of Service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955
17. The Employment Exchange (Compulsory Notification of Vacancies) Act, 1959
18. The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
19. The Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961
20. The Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1962
21. The Personal Injuries (Compensation Insurance) Act, 1963
22. The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965
23. The Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966
24. The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970.
25. The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972
26. The Limestone and Dolomite Mines Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1972
27. The Sales Promotion Employees (Conditions of Service) Act, 1976
28. The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
29. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
30. The Iron Ore Mines, Manganese Ore Mines and Chrome Ore Mines Labour Welfare (Cess) Act, 197
31. The Iron Ore Mines, Manganese Ore Mines and Chrome Ore Mines Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1976
32. The Beedi Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1976
33. The Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1976
34. The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979.
35. The Cine Workers and Cinema Theatre Workers (Regulation of Employment) Act, 1981
36. The Cine Workers Welfare (Cess) Act, 1981
37. The Cine Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1981
38. The Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Act, 1986
39. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
40. The Labour Laws (Exemptions from Furnishing Returns and Maintaining Registers by Certain Establishments) Act, 1988
41. The Building and Other Construction Workers Cess Act, 1996
42. The Building and Other Constructions Workers’ (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996
43. The Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008


Source - Ministry of Labour, GoI, August 2016
http://labour.gov.in/sites/default/files/Annexure/Annexure-A.pdf

Charter of Demands - All India Strike by Central Trade Unions September 2015 , 2016

CHARTER OF DEMANDS
ALL INDIA STRIKE 02, SEPT 2016

1. Urgent measures for containing price-rise through universalisation of public distribution system and banning speculative trade in commodity market
2. Containing unemployment through concrete measures for employment generation
3. Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws.
4. Universal social security cover for all workers
5. Minimum wages of not less than Rs 18,000/- per month with provisions of indexation
6. Assured enhanced pension not less than Rs.3,000/- p.m. for the entire working population
7. Stoppage of disinvestment in Central/State PSUs
8. Stoppage of contractorisation in permanent perennial work and payment of same wage and benefits for contract workers as regular workers for same and similar work
9. Removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, provident fund; increase the quantum of gratuity.
10. Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days from the date of submitting application; and immediate ratification of ILO Conventions C 87 and C 98
11. Against Labour Law Amendments
12. Against FDI in Railways, Insurance and Defence



CHARTER OF DEMANDS
ALL INDIA STRIKE 02, SEPT 2015



































Source - CITU