Black Day Observed in Ranchi Against Anti-Labour Policies

Ranchi: A ‘Black Day’ was observed in Ranchi on Tuesday against the four labour codes, alleged to be anti-worker, following a call by the Joint Trade Union Forum, Jharkhand. The programme also received support from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha.

A large number of workers, employees, trade union activists and citizens gathered at Albert Ekka Chowk to protest against the Centre’s labour policies. Participants wore black badges and armbands as a mark of protest and raised slogans demanding the withdrawal of the four labour codes.

Addressing the gathering, various trade union leaders alleged that the labour codes weaken rights earned by workers through years of struggle. They claimed that the new laws aim to increase working hours, restrict the right to form unions, curb the right to strike, and promote contractualisation and outsourcing in permanent jobs, while weakening provisions related to wages and social security.

The speakers further accused the Central government of pushing these reforms in haste to favour corporate interests, ignoring democratic processes and workers’ concerns. They demanded immediate withdrawal of the labour codes and called for wider consultations with trade unions.

The speakers also raised issues concerning farmers and agricultural labourers. Opposing the Electricity Amendment Bill and the Seed Bill, they said such measures would increase corporate control over agriculture and make farmers dependent on private companies.

Concerns were also expressed over the weakening of employment guarantees under MGNREGS and reduction in rural job opportunities, which could adversely affect the livelihoods of agricultural labourers.

The programme was presided over by Comrade Shubhendu Sen. Among those who addressed the gathering were Pankaj Kumar and Sarita Devi (AITUC), Bhim Sahu (AICCTU), Gopal Sharan Singh (Non-Gazetted Employees Federation), Triloki Nath (AISA), M.L. Singh (BEF), Madua Kachhap (Kisan Sabha), Birendra Kumar (Agricultural Workers’ Union), and Prateek Mishra, Harendra Yadav and Bhavan Singh (CITU).

The gathering resolved to intensify the agitation if the government fails to address their demands, warning that prolonged strikes may be called in the coming days if necessary.