The International Labor Organisation (ILO) has expressed concern over dilution of labor laws by some state governments during corona virus pandemic. The ILO Director-General Guy Ryder in his communication with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to him to ensure that the Center as well as the state governments ensure the protection of labor laws. The Left Parties backed Center for Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has written to the ILO seeking its intervention following dilution of certain labor laws by State Governments of UP, MP and Gujarat.
In a reply to the complaint raised, the ILO’s Geneva-based Freedom of Association Branch Chief Karen Curtis has informed CITU that the matter has been taken up with the Government of India. Curtis has informed that ILO DG Guy Ryder has expressed deep concern over the dilution of labor laws. The ILO DG in his communication has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send a clear message to the Center and the State Governments to uphold the country’s international commitments and encourage engagement in social dialogue.
Both Left, as well as RSS, backed labor unions have been protesting against dilution of labor laws by state governments during Covid-19 pandemic. Both unions staged a nationwide protest last week to mark their protest. Notwithstanding these protests, the Center has gone ahead and ratified changes made by the Gujarat Government in Industrial Disputes Act. The Center has also made it clear that the states are free to make amendments in the Factory Act to allow changes in working hours of laborers.
