Bike rally in Yemmiganur demands repeal of labour codes

Andhra Pradesh: Marking the 139th May Day week, CPI (ML) New Democracy and IFTU leaders held a protest bike rally in Yemmiganur, condemning the Modi government’s labour reforms and demanding the repeal of the four new labor codes.

Protest rally against anti-labour laws

As part of May Day week celebrations, a bike rally was organized on Friday from the IFTU office in Yemmiganur. The rally called for the repeal of the four labour codes that workers’ unions say have dismantled decades of hard-won labour rights. The event was led by IFTU District Leader S Balaraju and flagged off by CPI (ML) New Democracy District Secretary K Nagaraju.

Four labour codes denounced as anti-worker

Addressing the gathering, K Nagaraju accused the Modi government of pushing anti-labour policies by consolidating 44 labour laws into four codes that undermine workers’ rights. He said these laws trample on the legal protections achieved through long struggles and make crores of workers vulnerable to exploitation.

Privatization of public sector strongly opposed

Nagaraju criticized the privatization of public sector undertakings like LIC, BSNL, and Ports, calling it a move to hand over national assets and labor power to corporates. He asserted that this trend not only destroys existing jobs but also fails to create new employment opportunities.

Workers urged to unite against labour reforms

Emphasizing the legacy of the global labour movement that began in Chicago in 1886, Nagaraju called on trade unions across the country to unite and intensify protests until the labor codes are withdrawn. He framed the resistance as a continuation of a 139-year-long struggle for justice.

Demands for local employment and tribal rights

The protestors demanded that 90% of jobs in the upcoming textile park in Yemmiganur be reserved for locals. They also urged the government to reopen the defunct leather park and spinning mill in the region. Additionally, they called for an immediate halt to “Operation Kagar,” which they claimed was displacing tribal communities from their forest lands.

Wide participation from labour organizations

The rally witnessed participation from several workers’ organizations and leaders, including AIKMS District General Secretary M Sathyana, IFTU Assistant Secretary K Chennakeshavulu, PYL Division Convener S Muneppa, and numerous IFTU activists and workers from across the region.