Labour codes must change, meant only to serve corporates: Tarigami

Srinagar, Jul 09: The new labour codes are designed to serve big corporates and are a direct oppression of the working class, said M Y Tarigami, MLA Kulgam and President, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Jammu and Kashmir while addressing a press conference in Srinagar on Wednesday. Tarigami said the achievements earned by the working class after decades of struggle are now under threat in the name of labour codes. “We cannot be silenced. Our working people want a bread of honour. Whatever obstacles come from the government, we will speak up,” he said.He said that as part of a nationwide strike called by central trade unions against the new labour codes, the CITU had also planned a protest programme in Srinagar which was later cancelled by the administration.The central trade unions called for Bharat Bandh opposing the labour codes which weaken workers’ rights to strike and unionise, increase working hours, and promote contract labour, among other regressive changes.Tarigami added that on July 9, major trade unions, central organisations of the working class, and federations across the country observed a general strike to press for their long-standing demands.He said, “The right to strike was won after long struggles from Chicago to present day India. Our workers in Zaldagar had raised the flag of struggle long ago. Today’s working class including journalists, farmers, casual and temporary employees, low-paid workers in government schemes are part of the same fight.”He added that many lives were sacrificed and countless people faced jails and baton charges to gain these rights. “Today’s strike is not just an ordinary industrial shutdown. It is a collective resistance by the biggest trade unions including CITU against a government that refuses to honour its assurances,” he said.Since 2014, this BJP-led government has consistently favoured big corporate sectors, offering tax reliefs to billionaires while burdening common workers, Tarigami said, adding that the proposed labour codes aim to increase working hours.“The labour codes are meant to ease business for the wealthy and restrict unionisation. The right to form unions which was won after decades is now under threat. Even protesting has become difficult,” he said.He criticised the government for curbing democratic spaces, citing laws like UAPA, PSA and the Essential Services Act, which he said are being misused to stifle dissent. “There is no emergency yet our peaceful protest in Srinagar was first approved and then cancelled at midnight,” he added.“This administration is afraid of its own people. Even peaceful meetings are being denied. Despite applying through proper procedure, permission was revoked. Why is this administration silent?” he asked.Tarigami added that workers across the country have declared their rejection of the labour codes. “This country belongs to us. Its factories, roads, mines and railways belong to the people. We will not allow them to be handed over to corporations,” he said.Making an appeal on behalf of workers in both the private and public sectors, daily wagers, farmers and working journalists, he said, “We will not keep our mouths shut. No matter what you do, we will continue to protest against injustice.”