Defence employees continued their demonstration against the Labour Law Amendments on second consecutive day in front of Ordnance Factory Khamaria, on Tuesday. It may be noted that the employees of Central and State Government departments across the country are protesting against proposed changes and amendments to labour laws. In protest, central trade unions have called for a one-day nationwide strike on February 12, which has been supported by the All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) through a four-day protest programme. OFK Labour Union, affiliated with AIDEF, has strongly opposed the proposed labour law amendments, terming them anti-worker. AIDEF Organising Secretary Arnab Dasgupta stated that the amendments undermine hard-earned labour rights and will never be accepted by the working class.

 

He pointed out that working hours, earlier fixed at eight hours after prolonged struggle, are proposed to be increased to 12 hours, with no provision for permanent appointments, minimum wages or job security. He further criticised changes affecting women employees, including modification of Child Care Leave (CCL) into work-from-home arrangements and provisions for night shift duties, calling them unjust. The amendments also propose increasing weekly working hours from 45.75 to 48 hours and removing reservation benefits. The union alleged that the amendments dilute trade union rights by replacing existing labour laws, including the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, with four new labour codes, making union recognition extremely difficult. In support of the strike, OFK Labour Union will hold protests including badge-wearing, slogan shouting, lunch boycott, gate meetings and a one-hour delayed factory entry on February 12.