Workers rally in Amalapuram demanding repeal of labour codes

Andhra Pradesh: Central trade unions led by CITU, AITUC, and allied farmers’ and workers’ associations staged a protest rally and dharna in Amalapuram, calling for the repeal of the four new labour codes and demanding improved wages, job regularization, and constitutional safeguards for workers.

Rally from RTC Complex to Clock Tower

Protesters marched from the RTC Complex to the Clock Tower in Amalapuram, where they staged a dharna highlighting key demands, including:

Immediate repeal of the four labour codes
Minimum monthly wage of Rs 26,000 for all workers
Equal pay for equal work and regularization of contract/outsourcing staff
Recognition of scheme workers (Anganwadi, ASHA, Mid-day Meal, Animators) as fourth class employees
Enactment of a Remunerative Price Act for farm produce
Expansion of the Employment Guarantee Scheme to 200 days with Rs 600 per day wages

Criticism of new labour codes

Dadala Subbara, State President of the Agricultural Workers’ Union, Kaarem Venkateswara Rao, Vice President, and G Durga Prasad, CITU District President and Nookala Balaram, General secretary, addressed the gathering.

They alleged that the four new labour codes serve the interests of industrialists and corporates, undermining the rights of 90% of India’s workforce, including the unorganized sector.

“These laws are akin to a noose around workers’ necks,” said leaders, warning that rights such as job permanency, bonus, PF, ESI, gratuity, accident compensation, and retirement benefits are at risk.

Call for nationwide strike on July 9

Speakers emphasized that 11 national trade unions have jointly called for a nationwide workers’ strike on July 9 to demand the rollback of the labour codes. They also accused the Modi government of eroding constitutional protections and pushing the workforce back into “conditions reminiscent of colonial-era exploitation.”

Widespread participation

The protest saw participation from a range of leaders and activists including Bheera Esther Rani, Malaka Subhashini, G Daivakrupa, P Shiva, Peethala Ramachandra Rao, Moka Srinu, V Mohan Rao, Satish, Parvathi, Bandi Venkatalakshmi, Eshwari, Bheema Raju, M Narayana, Venkateswara Rao, A Subbarao, and others.

They vowed to continue the struggle until the demands of the working class are addressed.