Congress Leaders Criticise New Labour Codes as “Anti-National,” Claim Workers Denied Justice

New Delhi, November 24, 2025 – Congress leaders have strongly criticised the four new labour codes introduced by the Centre, calling them “anti-national” and asserting that they fail to protect workers’ rights.

K Muraleedharan, a senior Congress leader, raised concerns over a provision that allows labourers to form a union only if at least 10 per cent of its members are part of it. He described this as unjust and restrictive, saying, “To form an organisation is their right. The new codes are encouraging factory owners and supporting management, while workers are not getting justice. This is anti-national, and we will not support it.” Muraleedharan further warned that the changes could adversely affect workers in Kerala and across India.

Earlier, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also questioned the new labour codes, noting that they essentially repackage 29 existing labour laws into four codes. He highlighted that the rules have yet to be notified and questioned whether these reforms address the five essential demands of Indian workers for Shramik Nyay, including:

·         National minimum wage of ₹400 per day, including under MGNREGA

·         Right to health law ensuring universal coverage of ₹25 lakh

·         Employment guarantee for urban areas

·         Comprehensive social security for unorganised workers, including life and accident insurance

·         Commitment to stop contractualisation in core government functions

Ramesh also praised state initiatives, noting that the governments in Karnataka and Rajasthan had pioneered progressive labour reforms for the 21st century, particularly for gig workers, before the introduction of the new central codes.

The criticism underscores growing apprehension among opposition parties and labour advocates about the impact of the new laws on workers’ rights, unionisation, and social security protections.