NAPM extends support to nationwide workers’ protests, seeks repeal of labour codes

By A Representative 

The National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has expressed full solidarity with the nationwide workers’ protests held on November 26, demanding withdrawal of the recently notified labour codes. In a public statement, the organisation termed the move as an attempt to impose “corporate rule” and called for the immediate repeal of the new labour laws.

The statement follows widespread demonstrations by trade unions across multiple states after the Union Government officially notified four labour codes on November 21. According to NAPM, the notification bypassed democratic process and institutional checks, and came shortly after the Bihar elections and ahead of the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.

NAPM stated that the new codes undermine decades of workers’ rights by enabling easier hiring and firing, expanding contractual employment, curtailing safety norms and limiting legal wage protections. The organisation argued that the claims of promoting “Ease of Doing Business” mask policies that favour large corporations while reducing security for workers.

The statement cited socio-economic data to highlight concerns over wages, unemployment, inequality and stagnation of income levels. It argued that despite significant profits and liquidity, corporate investment and job creation remain weak, increasing pressure on both blue-collar and white-collar workers.

The organisation further criticised the government for what it described as an erosion of federalism and democratic process, saying that labour—being a concurrent subject—has seen central overreach. It also noted that the Indian Labour Conference, the official consultative platform, has not been convened since 2015.

NAPM has urged citizens, social organisations and trade unions to continue united resistance and participate in future nationwide actions demanding restoration of the earlier labour protections. The statement concluded with a call to defend workers’ rights and uphold constitutional democratic values.

The statement was issued by the All India Workers Forum–NAPM. The alliance marks 30 years of its work in people’s movements and alternative policy advocacy.