Fri Nov 15 19:05:57 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu Workers Stage Statewide Protest Against New Labour Codes
**Chennai, November 16, 2024** – The Unorganised Workers Federation launched a statewide campaign culminating in a major rally in Chennai today, protesting the Indian government’s recently implemented four labour codes. The two-week campaign, which began November 9th, involved awareness drives, seminars, and grassroots meetings across Tamil Nadu.
The federation’s key demands include the immediate revocation of the new labour codes, arguing they undermine worker rights and safety. They are calling for a review of the codes through a tripartite Indian Labour Conference and the implementation of industry-specific protections, particularly for construction, fishing, and agriculture workers.
Further demands include improved social security measures, such as increased pension benefits (above ₹5,000), full implementation of Employees’ State Insurance medical facilities, and the establishment of sector-specific welfare boards. The federation is also pushing for a 200-day job guarantee for all workers, protections for Tamil Nadu fishermen, and preventing the deployment of construction workers to conflict zones.
R. Geetha of the Unorganised Workers Federation stated that the new codes will result in the erosion of existing labour rights and social security provisions for unorganised workers. The protesters also advocate for the establishment of complaint committees to address sexual harassment, free housing for the homeless, and employment guarantees for local youth, proposing a tax on the super-rich to fund these initiatives. The campaign emphasizes the need for new laws guaranteeing eight-hour workdays, fair wages, and improved occupational health standards for all unorganised workers.
First Piper 