“There is no reason to worry about the four Labour Codes — Labour Minister.”

A preliminary notification was issued on November 21 to implement the four Labour Codes in the country. This has sparked intense anger among various workers’ unions nationwide, prompting widespread protests. Similar anti-Labour Code movements are also ongoing in the state. In this situation, to inform the people of the state about what these four Labour Codes are and why they have been introduced, Labour Minister Tinku Roy held a press conference at the BJP state headquarters on Thursday. At the press meet, he gave a brief overview of the four Labour Codes.

These four Labour Codes are:

1. Code on Wages 2019 — concerning workers’ wages,

2. Industrial Relations Code 2020 — relating to industrial matters,

3. Social Security Code 2020 — relating to social security,

4. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020 — relating to occupational safety and health.

The minister explained that 29 existing labour laws have been consolidated into these four codes. He added that these codes have been created to suit the evolving nature of labour in modern times. Previously, people’s working methods were different. Economic conditions, industrial infrastructure, and production scenarios were also not the same. Much has changed now, including working styles. According to him, both workers and employers today prefer simple and streamlined systems. This is why these four Labour Codes were introduced — to simplify everything.

Speaking further at the press conference, Minister Tinku Roy said that various organisations, including left-leaning groups, are making comments on the issue. But the reality, he said, is that with the introduction of the four Labour Codes, both permanent and temporary workers in industrial establishments will now receive the same benefits. At the same time, companies have also been given several facilities. Earlier, many licenses were required to operate a factory. Now, a system of single registration, single licence, and single return has been introduced.

He also addressed the allegation from leftist groups that the powers of labour unions are being curtailed. He said this is not true. In any company, the union that has at least 51% of the workers as its members will have the right to participate in negotiations. He further added that in companies with more than 500 workers, forming a safety committee has now been made mandatory.