Workers, farmers rally in Amalapuram demanding rollback of labour codes

Andhra Pradesh: Responding to the nationwide call by central trade unions, a powerful protest was held today in Amalapuram as workers, tenant farmers, agricultural labourers, retired teachers, and public organizations united against the Centre’s anti-labour and anti-farmer policies. The demonstrators marched from the bus stand to Clock Tower Center, where leaders called for immediate repeal of controversial labour codes and fulfillment of promises made to farmers.

Leaders slam Centre’s “destructive” labour reforms

Addressing the gathering at Clock Tower Center, former graduate MLC Illa Venkateswara Rao, former AITUC Joint District President K Satthibabu, and State Vice President of the Agricultural Workers’ Association, Kaarem Venkateswara Rao, denounced the central government’s new labour codes as “black laws” aimed at stripping workers of hard-won rights.

“The Modi government is diluting labour laws to benefit corporate houses at the cost of workers,” said Illa Venkateswara Rao. “Even opposition-ruled states are toeing the same line,” added Kaarem Venkateswara Rao.

They warned that these laws criminalize dissent, targeting trade union leaders by branding them as rowdy-sheeters.

Farmers still await promised reforms

The leaders recalled the year-and-a-half-long farmers’ movement that forced the withdrawal of three contentious farm laws. However, they said the Prime Minister’s Cabinet promises — to legislate MSP (Minimum Support Price) and improve farmers’ conditions — remain unfulfilled. “It’s time farmers join workers to ensure Parliament passes the promised law,” said K. Satthibabu.

Demands for minimum wage and social security

The protesting unions raised several key demands:

Minimum wage of Rs 26,000 per month for all workers
Repeal of the four labor codes, referred to as “black laws”
Implementation of MSP and support for tenant farmers
200 days of NREGS work at Rs 600 per day
Scrapping of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS)
Resolution of pensioners’ grievances
Immediate control of inflation and rising prices

They also criticized the alleged attempt to extend the workday to 18 hours, calling it inhuman and exploitative.

Widespread union participation and solidarity

The protest saw broad participation from diverse sectors CITU, AITUC, and UTF Teachers Union, Retired Teachers’ Association, Anganwadi, ASHA, Midday Meal Workers, Beverage Porters, Auto Workers, RTC Employees, Bank Unions, and Medical Representatives.

Leaders NTV Subbarao (UTF) and RTC Union leader Prasad voiced their solidarity with the strike and supported the larger struggle for social justice and workers’ dignity.

Local leaders and activists join the agitation

Local leaders including Vasamsetty Satthiraju, Utala Venkatesh, Moka Srinivas, Nimmakayala Srinivas, M Baskar Rao, Mamidisetty Venkateswara Rao, G Deivakripa, Parvathi, B Eshwari, Lowalaxmi, T Nagavaralakshmi, K Shankar, and P Shiva were present and actively participated in the program.