Statewide strike against four labour codes ‘completely successful’, says AICCTU

A statewide industrial strike called by central trade unions against the four labour codes implemented by the central government was observed across West Bengal on Wednesday, with organisers terming it “completely successful.” The protest sought repeal of the labour codes, alleging that they dilute workers’ rights and favour corporate interests.

In a press statement, Basudev Bose, General Secretary of the West Bengal State Committee of the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), alleged that the codes introduced by the BJP-led central government are pushing workers towards “medieval conditions” by promoting insecure and exploitative employment practices. He said the strike reflected strong opposition from the working class.

According to the union, the shutdown affected coal and steel industries, banking and insurance services, jute mills and tea gardens. Production was reportedly disrupted in several industrial belts, with workers staying away from their workplaces to register protest. Union leaders claimed large-scale participation across sectors.

Bose further alleged that provisions related to increased working hours, easier contract labour norms and restrictions on union activities are against workers’ interests. He said the strike demonstrated that employees and labourers are not prepared to accept the new labour framework.

While unions thanked workers for their participation and warned of a broader mass movement in the coming days, neither the state nor the central government issued an immediate response. The central government has maintained that the labour codes are aimed at simplifying laws, promoting investment and expanding social security coverage, even as trade unions continue to oppose them.