Labour unrest in Manesar trigger tensions: Recently enacted labour codes blamed

By A Representative 

A civil rights coalition has expressed concern over recent developments in the industrial hub of Manesar in Haryana, where a series of labour actions and police responses have drawn attention. A statement, released by the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), said it stood in solidarity with workers in IMT Manesar and other parts of the country, while also alleging instances of police excess during ongoing unrest.

According to the statement, a wave of strikes began in early April across several sectors, including energy and manufacturing, with IMT Manesar emerging as a focal point. Contract workers from multiple companies—such as Honda, Munjal Showa, Satyam Auto, Roop Polymers, Richico Global, Modelama Exports, Rico, Suprajit Engineering, and Syrma SGS—reportedly undertook coordinated strike actions from April 2 onwards. Workers were said to be raising demands related to minimum wages, working hours, overtime compensation, safety standards, and overall working conditions.

The statement alleged that some worker representatives and labour activists were detained by police, including from protest sites and residences, and taken to police stations where they were reportedly made to sign documents under pressure. It further claimed that incidents of lathi-charge and physical force resulted in injuries to several workers, and that heavy police deployment contributed to an atmosphere of tension in the area. There was no immediate official response available from the Haryana police regarding these allegations.

The statement also placed the Manesar developments within a broader national context, referring to what it described as a pattern of action against labour organisers in different states. It cited the continued imprisonment of trade union leader Baccha Prasad Singh under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, as well as reported investigative actions against activists such as Kaladas Dehariya in Chhattisgarh.

It further linked the situation to recently enacted labour codes, arguing that these changes have altered the regulatory framework governing industrial relations, including provisions related to strikes, employment conditions, and contract labour.

While calling for wider support from trade unions and civil society groups, the statement maintained that the developments in Manesar reflect broader tensions between labour demands and industrial management, even as worker mobilisations continue in several regions.