Members of various trade unions across Kochi protested on Wednesday against the Centre’s new Labour Codes, which they claim undermine workers’ rights. The demonstrations, led by the Joint Action Council of Trade Unions and service organizations, saw participants express their discontent by burning copies of the contentious Codes in multiple locations throughout the district.
At the forefront of the protest, K. Chandran Pillai, the CITU All India Secretary, addressed a gathering at the Ernakulam Boat Jetty, emphasizing the collective opposition to what he termed “anti-worker” legislation. Prominent trade union leaders, including K.N. Gopinath, John Fernandes, Ali Akbar, K.V. Manoj, and Tommy Mathew, played pivotal roles in mobilizing workers and articulating their grievances.
In a show of solidarity, the Kerala State Electricity Board’s Joint Action Council organized a demonstration at a local powerhouse. Meanwhile, the Kerala Water Authority Employees Union (CITU) also joined the movement, signaling a unified demand for the repeal of the Labour Codes. Additionally, members of the Bank Employees Federation of India participated, donning black badges as a symbol of their protest against the legislative changes.
The movement garnered attention in towns across the district, with protests led by figures such as C.K. Salimkumar in Angamaly and M.S. George in Kothamangalam. Gopinath also spearheaded a protest in front of Apollo Tyres in Kalamassery, showcasing the widespread discontent among workers in various sectors.
The protests reflect a growing concern about the implications of the Labour Codes, which critics argue could diminish job security and weaken employees’ bargaining power. The united front of these trade unions signals a significant challenge to the government’s labor policies, as workers from different sectors seek to protect their rights and livelihoods.
As these protests gain momentum, the unions are likely to continue emphasizing their call for the withdrawal of the Labour Codes, seeking to engage more workers and heighten public awareness about the perceived threats to labor rights.
This collective action in Kerala underscores a broader narrative regarding labor reforms and the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights in India, resonating with the growing movements across the country for a fair and just workplace.
### Keywords: Labour Codes, trade unions, Kochi protest, workers’ rights, anti-worker legislation, CITU, employment security, Kerala State Electricity Board, Bank Employees Federation.
(Article published on November 27, 2025, at 01:49 am IST)
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/protests-held-against-anti-worker-labour-codes/article70327367.ece
Category : Kerala
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Publish Date: 2025-11-27 01:49:00
