𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫: 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬

A coal workers’ union affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) mounted a sit-in protest on November 26 outside the office of the General Manager of Northeastern Coalfields, Coal India Limited, demanding the withdrawal of the Union Government’s newly implemented labour codes.

The Rashtriya Coal Mazdoor Union said the four codes — covering wages, industrial relations, occupational safety, health, and working conditions — pose a direct threat to job security and workers’ rights. The measures came into force on 22 November, prompting strong criticism from several trade unions nationwide.

Union president Pradip Ghoshal and general secretary Mantosh Taye argued that the legislation undermines long-standing protections. They described the laws as “draconian” and warned that they would “ruin the lives of labourers across the country”.

Taye stated that the union is calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led government to withdraw the codes immediately. He cautioned that if the government fails to respond, more aggressive demonstrations will follow at Northeastern Coalfields.

The Rashtriya Coal Mazdoor Union, which represents around 230 workers in the Margherita area, said Wednesday’s sit-in marks the beginning of a broader agitation plan.