Trade unions in Trichy conduct black flag protest

Trichy: Several trade unions, including CITU and AITUC, held a protest near Trichy Railway Junction on Monday, condemning the Union government's decision to consolidate 44 labour laws into four labour codes. The unions demanded the restoration of the original 44 laws and declared the day a ‘black day protest' as part of a nationwide demonstration urging the repeal of the new labour codes.
"All 44 labour laws were enacted after long struggles and protests; it's a significant part of history.Infringing on workers' rights will never be accepted," said K Suresh, AITUC state vice-president.
Protesters raised slogans, arguing that the new labour codes would reduce workers to bonded laborers under corporate interests. Representatives from trade unions, including LPF, INTUC, and LLF, participated, holding black flags and placards condemning the government. The protesters called on the Union government to ensure minimum wages, maintain the 8-hour work schedule, and protect workers' rights to form and join trade unions.