Empowering India’s Workforce: Trade Union Perspectives on Inclusive Labour Code Reforms

‘These reforms realise the constitutional promise of dignity for all’
| Photo Credit:
KVS Giri

The dream of a “Developed India” will be realised only when the nation’s hardworking workers receive complete respect and assurance of their security. Sustainable economic progress and accelerated development depend on a strong, trusting relationship between workers and industries.

However, official data indicate that employment ratios in the manufacturing sector have long fallen short of expectations, impeding India’s production capacity and industrial potential. In this context, comprehensive structural reforms to address the complexities and disparities of outdated labour laws are essential.

Visionary step

As a responsible labour organisation, we regard the new labour codes as a visionary step towards strengthening workers’ interests, expanding opportunities, and ensuring a safe, respectful workplace. Our organisation underscores the vital role of tripartite dialogue among industry, government, and labour. We believe that industry, along with workers, is a major stakeholder and a crucial component in the nation’s progress.

Since 2015, ongoing tripartite negotiations on labour laws have brought together all central labour organisations and industrial bodies. BMS champions the concept of the “industrial family,” recognising that industry and workers are mutually dependent, with shared and interconnected interests. Industry organisations have actively participated in these negotiations, and the successful implementation of labour codes will have a significant and equal impact on both employers and employees.

Girish Arya, All India Secretary, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh

The majority of provisions in these codes prioritise and protect the interests of workers. They promise to enhance productivity, accelerate job creation, and broaden social security coverage. We believe that certain strikes and protests by other trade unions are primarily politically motivated.

We welcome these reforms and are confident that they will have a positive and lasting impact on India’s economic growth, industrial development, and worker welfare. In pursuit of transformative progress, the government has consolidated twenty-nine longstanding central labour laws into four streamlined codes: Code on Wages (2019), Code on Social Security (2020), Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (2020) and Code on Industrial Relations (2020).

The implementation of these codes will ensure that every worker has easy access to security, respect, and justice; fundamentals that will further strengthen national development.

Aspirations of youth

The swift implementation of the new labour codes reflects the government’s responsiveness to the aspirations of India’s youth workforce and evolving labour market. A large segment of the country’s working population contributes to nation-building. Whether they are construction workers, gig workers, street vendors and interstate migrant labourers, they are all now covered by legal protections and social security. These reforms realise the constitutional promise of dignity for all. Importantly, the new codes are progressive and inclusive, extending benefits beyond the organised sector to empower every worker.

They are not limited to large companies. By consolidating fair wages, timely payments and social security provisions such as pensions and insurance under one unified framework, these codes ensure equitable participation in the nation’s progress.

With the formulation of the new labour codes, India has taken a historic step, but their true impact depends on swift and effective rule-making for operationalisation. But, codes alone are insufficient. It is imperative that beneficiaries begin receiving the intended advantages without delay. We urge all stakeholders, whether in support or opposition, to come together and prioritise the immediate disbursal of these benefits. Only through collaborative and timely implementation can the spirit of these reforms be realised.

The author is All India Secretary, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh

Published on November 25, 2025