100,000 workers expected to protest at Jantar Mantar on December 1

Representative picture of workers in the unorganized sector. CITU’s demands include repeal of labor codes, recognition of scheme workers as workers with statutory benefits, minimum monthly wage of ₹42,000 and pension of ₹21,000 and comprehensive social security for workers in the unorganized sector. | Photo credit: Rajeev Bhatt

The Center of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) will launch an indefinite protest from December 1 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi demanding protection of workers’ rights and repeal of “anti-worker” labor laws.

At a press conference in Kalaburagi on November 2, CITU state unit president S. Varalakshmi said, “More than one lakh workers from across the country are expected to participate. Around 40,000 travel tickets have already been booked by workers from Karnataka and other states.”

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Referring to Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and livelihood, she said the condition of unorganized daily wage workers continued to deteriorate. Citing data from the National Crime Records Bureau, it said that in 2024, 52,910 suicides were reported among unorganized workers and daily wage workers.

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It also expressed concern over malnutrition and poor health indicators, citing stunted growth in 29% to 35.5% of children and anemia in 57% of women.

Claiming that workers protesting violations of livelihood rights and workplace deaths have been victims of dismissals, criminal cases and arrests, Ms Varalakshmi said such measures undermine democratic rights.

The agitation would seek to protect workers’ livelihoods, social security and democratic rights.

CITU’s demands include repeal of labor codes, recognition of scheme workers as workers with statutory benefits, minimum monthly wage of ₹42,000 and pension of ₹21,000 and comprehensive social security for workers in the unorganized sector.

The union also seeks to fill vacancies, regularization of contract workers, equal pay for equal work, workplace safety, water, soil and forest conservation and tillage certificates for bagair hukum cultivators.

Its demands further include cancellation of Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral rolls and resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Published – November 3, 2026 11:21 AM IST