Labor Minister V. Sivankutty on Friday wrote to Union Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviyam, urging the ministry to immediately withdraw the labor codes in their current form. He expressed the state government’s deep concern that certain provisions in these codes overlooked vital aspects of labor rights, workers’ welfare and fundamental values of social justice in India.
“Kerala, after extensive consultation with unions and workers, has found that the codes weaken basic protections related to job security, collective bargaining, safe working conditions and mechanisms to ensure workers’ welfare. We believe these changes will harm workers’ interests and disrupt industrial peace in the country,” Mr. Sivankutty wrote.
He also expressed serious concern that despite the work being the subject of the concurrent list, the reforms were implemented without adequate and meaningful consultation with state governments and stakeholders such as central unions. Genuine participation and dialogue are essential to address the legitimate interests of those directly affected.
Broad and transparent consultations involving state governments, unions and all stakeholders must be urgently initiated so that any future reforms reflect the collective aspirations of Indian workers and promote the rights and well-being that underpin our democracy, he wrote.
Published – 28 Nov 2025 20:35 IST
