Nationwide Protests Against Four Labour Codes

Report by Mazdoor Ekta Committee Correspondent

On 1 April 2026, a “Black Day” was observed across the country in protest against the four Labour Codes, following a call by central trade unions, federations, and workers’ organizations. Organizations including AITUC, CITU, Mazdoor Ekta Committee, SMS, AIUTUC, UTUC, AICCTU, SEWA, FPF, TUCC, as well as federations from the banking, insurance, and railway sectors participated. Groups associated with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha also joined the protests.

Workers from various sectors of the economy—manufacturing, coal, insurance, banking, ports, and IT—took part in the demonstrations. Employees from service sectors such as school teachers, university faculty, nurses, doctors, and scheme workers including Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and mid-day meal workers also participated. These protests were held against the government’s announcement to notify and implement the four new Labour Codes from November 21, 2025.

In Delhi, protests were organized at different labour offices and industrial areas. Memorandums addressed to the state and central governments were submitted through District Labour Commissioners.

On this occasion, rallies, marches, and bike rallies were organized across industrial regions, districts, and state capitals nationwide. Workers demonstrated outside District Magistrate offices, factory gates, and labour commissioner offices, and burned copies of the Labour Codes. In several places, meetings were held during lunch breaks. Workers also expressed their protest at workplaces by wearing black bands and badges.

It is noteworthy that the central government drafted these codes during the lockdown period, when people were confined to their homes and unable to protest. These Labour Codes are expected to have a serious impact on workers’ rights. The government decided to formulate and implement these codes without consulting trade unions. With their implementation, rights related to forming unions, going on strike, minimum wages, and social security are likely to be weakened. These codes are seen as being in Favor of the capitalist class, with workers’ interests being sidelined.