THE IMPLICATIONS OF CURRENT LABOUR UNREST: INDRAJIT SINGH

THE IMPLICATIONS OF CURRENT LABOUR UNREST: INDRAJIT SINGH

2-MAY-ENG 18

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------May Day originated in 1886 in the city of Chicago, USA, stemming from a strike launched by thousands of industrial workers during the first week of May. Several workers were martyred when police opened fire to quell angry demonstrations staged on the streets, where workers were demanding an eight-hour workday and dignified treatment in the workplace. Subsequently, six labor leaders were sentenced to death following trials based on fabricated charges of inciting violence. Since then, workers across the globe have commemorated their martyred comrades—whose sacrifices paved the way for the international acceptance of a scientific and humane daily routine: eight hours for work, eight hours for sleep, and eight hours to spend with one's family.

Following a call issued by the International Socialist Congress held in Paris in 1889, May Day was celebrated globally for the first time on May 1, 1890. Since then, workers in every country have gathered in their respective cities on this day to demonstrate international solidarity in pursuit of a common goal: transforming systems characterized by exploitation, oppression, and inequality to establish an egalitarian society that ensures the full value of labor and a life of dignity.

In India, the labor movement demonstrates its unity against capitalist exploitation, the neo-colonial aggression of imperialism, and conspiracies designed to sow communal and caste-based discord. Standing in defense of their nation's sovereignty—and in opposition to the capitulation to imperialism by their ruling powers—they oppose war and pledge their commitment to the cause of global peace.

It is noteworthy that May Day in 2026 arrives amidst unprecedented circumstances. In the industrial belts surrounding the national capital—spanning Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan—the discontent of a vast number of workers can be witnessed manifesting openly on the streets. Thousands of young workers employed in sectors such as the automobile and textile industries have two primary demands: first, an increase in the minimum wage; and second, double the standard rate for any overtime work exceeding eight hours. No one can reasonably deem either of these demands unjust.

Regrettably, instead of giving a hearing to the workers to quell the unrest that erupted in Manesar, Gurgaon, Bhiwadi, and Noida, police force was deployed against them. Many laborers, including women, sustained injuries. Through indiscriminate arrests, a large number of individuals—including women—have been incarcerated. Grave criminal charges under the *Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita* have also been leveled against them. Even the families of those arrested were not informed of their whereabouts, leaving them to wander in a desperate search for their loved ones. Such explosive outbursts of labor unrest are now beginning to spread to other states as well; recently, a similar situation was witnessed in the form of a sudden uprising by workers at the Panipat Refinery.

It comes as no surprise that the ruling establishment has attempted to sensationalize this labor discontent by attributing this spontaneous expression of dissatisfaction to a conspiracy orchestrated by "terrorist forces." Yet, the embers of discontent continue to smolder. Driven by the energy crisis triggered by imperialist wars in West Asia, a large number of laborers have migrated away from Gujarat and other states.

In any event, the common people across the globe are now being forced to bear the brunt of the reckless audacity displayed by the U.S. and Israel in taking the catastrophic step of attempting to impose a devastating war upon Iran. As is invariably the case, the capitalist system—faced with its own inherent structural crises—is pursuing a strategy of offloading the burden of this crisis onto the shoulders of the peasantry and the working class in a bid to sustain its profit margins. Given the recent surge in gas prices, extending workers' working hours appears to companies as the sole, most expedient option for maintaining their profitability.

For workers in the National Capital Region, it has become virtually impossible to survive on meager monthly wages ranging between ₹8,000 and ₹10,000, given the skyrocketing inflation and the surge in energy prices resulting from the Gulf War. Given the rising house rents, children's school fees, healthcare expenses, and other costs, laborers find it impossible to sustain their families—even by making extreme personal sacrifices.

The minimum wage hikes that state governments hurriedly implemented—often after years of delay—only once protests had erupted are not only insufficient but also rarely enforced. Furthermore, a significant segment of the workforce is employed under a "piece-rate" system. These are workers within the organized sector who, paradoxically, remain unorganized. They possess no statutory social security coverage, lack protection against workplace accidents, and are compelled to work in extremely hazardous conditions. Reports of inhumane practices—such as wage deductions for the mere act of using a restroom—serve as a stark reminder of the conditions that prevailed in Chicago in 1886. Under these circumstances, it is imperative that these sections of the workforce—who are victims of ruthless exploitation—organize themselves.

In the era of neoliberalism, driven by corporate agendas, all 29 existing labor laws were repealed in 2020 and replaced by four new Labor Codes, which were subsequently passed by Parliament. Despite fierce opposition from all major trade unions, a notification for the implementation of these codes was issued on November 21, 2025.

All of the country's major trade unions contend that the implementation of these four Labor Codes will result in extended working hours, make the registration of trade unions extremely difficult, pave the way for punitive action against workers who go on strike, and lead to a greater prevalence of the contract labor system—rather than permanent employment—thereby making it easier for employers to hire and fire workers at will. Moreover, industries employing up to 300 workers will be granted the liberty to dismiss employees without requiring prior permission from the Labor Department. Consequently, the Labor Department... It will be rendered futile, and the condition of workers is all but certain to become, more or less, akin to bonded labor.

It is noteworthy that the hollow arguments being advanced in favor of the Labor Codes are precisely the same kind of deceitful arguments that were put forth regarding the three farm laws—laws which the farmers, through their agitation, ultimately compelled the government to withdraw. It is a welcome development that, at this juncture, farmers' organizations are also standing in solidarity with the workers. This unity is bound to yield promising results in the future.