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The union said it is also happy to note that states like UP and Rajasthan have withdrawn the earlier notified work shift of 12 hours as against 8 hours and have urged other states to follow suit.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