Fri Oct 03 13:24:55 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Erode AITUC Conference Demands Labour Reforms

**ERODE, INDIA – October 3, 2025** – The district-level All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) conference in Erode concluded Thursday with a strong call for significant labour reforms. The conference urged both the Central and State governments to address the concerns of thousands of workers engaged in essential services across the district.

Key demands put forth by the AITUC included the immediate repeal of the four labour codes, the abolishment of the contract labour system, and the regularization of workers who have completed 480 days of continuous service.

Tiruppur MP and AITUC national vice-president K. Subbarayan inaugurated the conference, which was attended by conservancy workers, drivers, domestic breeding checkers, water tank operators, and other local body staff.

The conference highlighted the precarious employment conditions of approximately 8,000 workers – about 80% of the total workforce in Erode’s local bodies – who are employed under self-help groups, contract, and outsourcing arrangements. These workers are allegedly often denied government-mandated minimum wages, Provident Fund (PF), Employees State Insurance (ESI), and other legally required benefits, despite facing demanding workloads.

Specific demands included strict enforcement and upward revision of minimum wages, inclusion under PF and ESI schemes, provision of adequate protective equipment, and the immediate disbursement of pending COVID incentives and festival bonuses.

The AITUC announced a series of planned actions, including demonstrations in front of all local body offices during the second week of October, culminating in a mass protest in Erode on October 8. This protest will specifically pressure the State government to release a comprehensive labour policy addressing the issues raised.

The conference underscores the ongoing debate surrounding labour rights and employment practices within India, particularly for workers in essential public services.

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